Changchun Yatai of China striker, Odion Jude Ighalo has stated that he and his colleagues in the Super Eagles will be banking on hard work and team unity to pull off surprises at this year’s World Cup in Russia.
The ex-Lyn Oslo of Norway, Udinese of Italy, Granada of Spain and Watford of England star said the Eagles have been working tirelessly and believes they are well prepared to go beyond critical forecasts in meeting the wildest expectations of Nigerian soccer fans.
Ighalo, who is expected to lead Nigeria’s attack when they take on Croatia in Kaliningrad on Saturday, admitted that the team is drawn against tough group opponents but says he and his teammates remain confident of pulling through.
Nigeria, who are making their sixth appearance at the FIFA World Cup, will kick off their campaign in Russia against Croatia in Kaliningrad on Saturday, before taking on Iceland in Volgograd on June22.
Their final group game is against Argentina in Saint Petersburg on June 26, but Ighalo says all focus and concentration from the Eagles is for now only on Croatia.
Ighalo added: “We know what is at stake and we won’t disappoint, that’s just all I can say. The group is tough but we know what we must do to advance without pressure.”
