Super Eagles cautioned against group opponents

Former Lagos Sports Council Chairman, Agboola Pinheiro, said he was confident that the Eagles would get to the second round along with cup holders Egypt from Group C. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Eagles, Pharaohs of Egypt, Mozambique and the Republic of Benin will jostle for the two second round slots […]

Former Lagos Sports Council Chairman, Agboola Pinheiro, said he was confident that the Eagles would get to the second round along with cup holders Egypt from Group C.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Eagles, Pharaohs of Egypt, Mozambique and the Republic of Benin will jostle for the two second round slots from the group.

Pinheiro told NAN in Lagos on Friday that the past records of both sides in the competition would see them advance from the group.

The former basketball coach, however, faulted the Eagles’ preparation, describing it as “too short’’.

“These two countries are well known in football circles worldwide. They have top  stars.

“Both countries have won the championship before while Mozambique and the Republic of Benin have yet to lift the trophy. They do not have such pedigree,’’ Pinheiro said.  

He called for continued support and prayers for the team to enable them to go far in the championship.

Former Super Eagles Assistant Coach, Joe Erico, cautioned the technical crew and the players not to underrate the Mozambicans and the Beninoise.

“They (Eagles) must not underrate the Black Mambas and the Squirrels because there are

no minors any longer in football,’’ the former Nigeria goalkeeper said.

Erico said much attention had been paid to the Egyptians while Mozambique and Benin had been ignored.

He said the two teams were capable of upsetting the Eagles and Egyptians.

`Their  (Pharaohs) pedigree as defending champions, having won the Nations Cup for six times, made football followers to regard them as Nigeria’s greatest headache in the group,’’ he said.

He advised the team to continue to play with determination and the zeal to excel.

He urged Nigerians to continue to support the team rather than condemn them no matter the situation.