Former Super Eagles coach, Jo Bonfrere has advised the current team to avoid allowing the zeal to floor Argentina at this World Cup distract them from focusing on their first two matches against Croatia and Iceland.
Considering that Argentina are Nigeria’s last group opponents at this year’s Mundial, Bonfrere stressed that the Eagles must focus on their first two Group D rivals, rather than bother with the final game against the favourites.
Nigeria open their Russia 2018 campaign on June 16 against Croatia, before they take on Iceland on June 22, while their final group game is on June 26 against Argentina.
Bonfrere, who made history by leading Nigeria to an historic Olympic gold in 1996, also praised the 30-man provisional squad named by Gernot Rohr.
He reckoned that, with the tight tactics and attitude the Eagles will fly high in Russia, but warned that the urge to exact another shock against Argentina could be their major undoing.
“It is good list, great players, Nigeria have good players and the coach did a good job in his selection.
“There are good talents in Nigeria, they are doing well in Europe. With good tactics and right mentality, why the Super Eagles will not do well in World Cup?
“Argentina is not a problem. Croatia and Iceland are big problem. You beat Argentina and you don’t beat Croatia or Iceland, then not good.
“So, you must beat Croatia and Iceland, yes you are in round two because six points you qualify. That is it – win the first two and wait for what happens in last match.”
