Following the Super Eagles’ 1-1 draw with Algeria on Friday, a cross-section of Nigerian football enthusiasts says the team still needs to do more ahead of the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
The football enthusiasts told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday in Abuja that the team has to be better in order to excel at Russia 2018.
Luqman Popoola, a scientist and football enthusiast, said the Eagles need to step up their game.
“The regular players did their best as usual but there’s need for the others to blend with them so that there won’t be need to worry whenever they come in.
“That match shouldn’t have ended in a draw if all the players had perfected their act. A 6-0 win should have been a modest result.
“Also, the penalty that kick that earned Algeria their equaliser was uncalled for, even as we had already qualified for the World Cup. A victory would have been better,” he said.
Similarly, Kingsley Ibe, a student and football fan, said: ”The Eagles’ attack was not so strong during the match and that is where you expect our bench to come in.
“It is good to test those on the bench in a match like that and I hope the coach will do the needful by intensifying training for them to do better at the World Cup.
“They are trying, but more opportunities like this can make them better.”
Ezenwa Ukanwa, another football enthusiast, said: “The match was a good means of testing our bench, and it shows there’s room for them to improve.
“John Ogu’s goal was a classical one, he is one of the promising upcoming players in the team.
“The pitch was not so good, but the players still managed not to be defeated in that match, I congratulate them.”
Ellison Joseph, an 11-year-old football freak, on his part said: “The new players (Eagles’ benchers) were not maintaining their positions. They leave too much gap on their wings.
“ Nigeria’s goal was a very good one, but let them train harder so that we can come out fine during the World Cup.”
NAN reports that Ogu opened scores in the 63rd minute of the match, while Yacine Brahimi drew level with a penalty kick two minutes to the end of the match.(NAN)
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