Pinnick positive Eagles will reach Russia 2018 knockouts

The President, Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Amaju Pinnick, on Monday said that the Super Eagles still had chance to progress to the knockout stage of the Russia 2018 FIFA World Cup. He said in Lagos that in spite of the Eagles’ 0-2 loss to Croatia, the team could still make something out of the Group […]

The President, Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Amaju Pinnick, on Monday said that the Super Eagles still had chance to progress to the knockout stage of the Russia 2018 FIFA World Cup.

He said in Lagos that in spite of the Eagles’ 0-2 loss to Croatia, the team could still make something out of the Group D.

The Genort Rohr-tutored team faltered in their first match of the World Cup losing to Croatia via Oghenekaro Etebo’s own goal and Luka Modric penalty.

Pinnick said that no country in Group D can yet boast of qualification.

“Croatia made good from set pieces in Kaliningrad on Saturday, winning 2-0 to top Group D ahead of Argentina and Iceland, who finished 1-1 and have one point each.

“We expected to win against Croatia but it did not happen and the whole team, as well as the federation have put that behind us and looking ahead with hope to the next two matches.

“I have spoken with the coach and the players and they have confidence that the job can be done.

“They feel bad to have lost the first match and are determined to go out there and do what they have to do against Iceland on Friday,” he said in a statement by the NFF Director of Communications, Ademola Olajire.

Pinnick noted that in football, a lot is possible if the heart is there to go out and conquer.

“Losing your first match of a major competition is not an automatic exit ticket. Spain lost their first match of the 2010 FIFA World Cup finals and still went ahead to win the tournament.

“We have a young team that can achieve so much with the right attitude and invention, and we must now reach deep down for those qualities when we play Iceland in Volgograd.