Super Eagles assistant coach, Salisu Yusuf has downplayed the import of Monday’s international friendly against DR Congo, as he insists nothing is at stake in the encounter.
Although many of the Eagles’ players have already declared their intention to go full throttle for victory at Adokie Amiesimaka Stadium, Port Harcourt, Salisu insists there is no big deal about the game.
Consequently, Salisu stressed that Monday’s send forth for the Eagles is not a do-or-die affair, and suggests that Nigerians should not be under any pressure.
The former Enyimba of Aba handler, however, acknowledged that the encounter will help the Eagles boost their preparation for the World Cup in Russia.
“It is a friendly match and it is not a do or die affair. The players know that there is nothing at stake in the match and for us the coaches; it is just a continuation of our preparations for the World Cup.
“Nobody should be under any pressure; we are playing DR Congo for us to bring the players together and to know the fitness level of the players after the European season. This is also an opportunity for the fans, I mean Nigerians to see the team before we move to Russia.
“Almost all the players are in camp except Moses who has also taken permission, and what this means to us is that we are on course for the World Cup,” Salisu stated.
Nigeria’s next game after playing DR Congo is England at Wembley Stadium on June 2, after which the Eagles will enter into the final phase of camping in Austria, before which the final list would be released.
The final 23-man squad will then prosecute their last pre-World Cup international friendly match against Czech Republic on June 6 before heading to their World Cup team-base camp in Essentuki, Russia.
