NOW THAT THE RUSSIA 2018 DRAWS HAVE BEEN HELD

The Super Eagles of Nigeria now know come summer 2018 in Russia, they would be slugging it in-group D alongside Argentina, Iceland and Croatia. Being the first and one of the 5-African nations to qualify for the 2018 World Cup. Lot of football lovers are expecting much from the team, and are hoping that they can break their benchmark record of making it beyond the round of 16 at the finals.

Having appeared at five previous World Cup finals, and making it to the round of 16 in 1994 and at the last World Cup held in Brazil in 2014. Going into these finals, fans expect that with the abundance of talented youngsters in the team, the team should be able to fly the flag of the nation surpassing the round of 16 benchmark.

Gernot Rohr and the technical advisory committee of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) now have their work cut out for them in terms of knowing who our foes are at the World Cup. The next point of order is for them to begin prompt plans of preparing the team for competition.  They also have to look at securing quality friendly matches that would prepare the team for the way their likely opponents at the world cup play and get experience, most especially, the Iceland and Croatia national team that we have not played before in a competitive match.

Reports though unconfirmed says that preparations are in place for the Eagles to place the three Lions of England, Serbia, Denmark sometime within the available FIFA windows. If true, it is a step in the right direction and fans would expect more of these progressive preparations.

The NFF revealed weeks back that they had a meeting with team discussing the payment arrangements so as not to have match bonus and allowances issues during the World Cup. Which is another good step in the right direction, it would be good for the federation to get it right in terms of Logistics and let the team avoid the embarrassments that follow African teams at the World Cup over unpaid bonuses.

Players on their part need to sit up and continue to give their best at their various club sides and hoping they avoid injuries that could get them out of the consideration for a call-up to the national team. The ‘big boys’ in the team need to step up to the leadership role, most especially the Captain of the national team John Mikel Obi, his vice Eddy Ogenyi Onazi, and the others like Ahmed Musa, Elderson Echiejile should all buckle up and know that the onus of guiding the youngsters in the squad lies squarely on their shoulders. Their ability to succeed efficiently at this would go a long way in building the mental strength and confidence of the team as a whole going into the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

Victor Agali who is the official scout for the men’s senior national team needs to get to discover the very best legs who can balance and complete the already quality-filled squad. For others who would are hopeful of making the squad also need to show why they should be included in the team.

Currently, if there is a position that most pundits and fans are not confident about in the team, it is the Goalkeeping position, since the diagnosing of Acute Leukemia in Carl Ikeme who took over from former Captain Vincent Enyeama. There has been a lack of confidence in the ability of Daniel Akpeyi and Ikechukwu Ezenwa. Though newly invited Francis Uzoho impressed in the second half of the friendly match against Argentina, it is yet to be seen if the youngster can gain the confidence of the managerial coaches to become the number one goalkeeper in Russia.

Finally, on the side of football fans, let us not relent in supporting the team as best as we can. For the power of the team lies alternatively in the fans in both the stadium, and those cheering from home. Let us continue to wish the team well as they prepare to go represent the nation in faraway Russia. As usual, the hashtag is #SoarEaglesSoar and the colours are definitely green white green.