Nigerian ambassador to Russia, Professor Steve Ugbah is optimistic that despite the poor performance of the Super Eagles in their opening game against Croatia, the team could still win their remaining two matches and qualify for the next round of the competition
In a chat with journalists in Moscow, he stated that he is looking forward to a better outing in their match against Iceland on Friday; stressing that a win in that game would propel the coach Gernot Rohr-led side to go all out for victory against two – time World champions, Argentina in their last Group D match.
“It’ true that the Super Eagles lost their opening game but that is not enough to write off the team. They still have two matches to go and who said they cannot go ahead and win those games,” he queried.
He also commended the Dr Rafiu Oladipo-led Nigeria Football Supporters Club (NFSC) for storming Kaliningrad in their numbers to cheer the Eagles. “Honestly, it is not easy to be in Kalinlingrad, a journey of 20 hours by road and one hour thirty minutes by plane. So you guys are great,” Ugbah stated.
The envoy, while admitting that both Iceland and Argentina are good sides, noted that they are beatable so long as the players concentrate and tighten up their defence.
“I believe the Super Eagles are on course to surprise the world in the remaining two matches and go ahead to qualify for the round of 16,” he concluded.