Trabzonspor of Turkey midfielder, Eddy Ogenyi Onazi has put high ratings on the Super Eagles’ forthcoming World Cup build-up matches against DR Congo and Czech Republic, with a view that both games are as important as the one on June 2 against England.
Though Onazi admits playing England at Wembley Stadium is a high-profile fixture for Nigeria, he insists it would be wrong to downplay the proposed clash with DR Congo on May 28 in Port Harcourt and with Czech Republic on June 6 in Austria.
The Eagles vice-captain further said he and all the other players remain humble despite their victories over Argentina and Poland in previous friendlies, hence their determination to play out their hearts in each upcoming game.
Onazi said the England match and others lined up for the national team will boost their confidence for the World Cup, where they start against Croatia on June 16.
“We are not focusing on any particular game; we are getting ready to face all the teams that we have to play before the World Cup.
“It is the right mentality to approach the games. I tell people that the England match is very important, just like the other matches that we have to play.
“What is key for us is to get into the right psychological state to confront every opposition that lie ahead, including those that will be waiting at the FIFA World Cup.
“For us, humility and hard work will be the winning words going ahead. Our preparation is going on well and we are happy with that.
“At the World Cup, we will come up against different teams with different styles and approaches of play.
“It is important that we are adequately prepared and we appreciate the games that the NFF has lined up for us.”
