Eagles handlers should focus on players’ psyche ―Omokaro

Ex-international Bright Omokaro has advised Super Eagles handlers to ensure that the players are psychologically prepared for their encounter with Argentina on November 14 in Russia.

He gave the advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on Monday.

Omokaro said that playing a friendly against great teams like the Argentines would boost the morale and improve the confidence of Super Eagles players.

While commending the team’s current form, Omokaro, who won silver for Nigeria at the 1988 Morocco African Cup of Nations competition, said the team needed lots of motivational advice for the World Cup matches in Russia in 2018.

“This is not just a friendly match; it will test our players’ tenacity. The match will give our players all the confidence they need before the World Cup kicks off.

‘’It will boost the morale of the players, if they perform well because of the status of the country involved. Psychologically it will prepare them towards what to expect in Russia.

“And it is also important for the handlers of the team to constantly charge these players mentally so that they will be prepared and understand that they are no second fiddle to the Argentines.

“This match will improve our profile if we ensure that we give our team all the needed support to hold their ground in Russia,’’ Omokaro said.

NAN reports that as part of the preparation for the 2018 World Cup, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) had organised a friendly with Argentina in Russia.

Omokaro, a former 3SC of Ibadan defender, told NAN that the choice of Russia as location for the friendly was appropriate.

“At least they get to stay a few days in Russia which will help them acclimatise at the World Cup proper; the NFF has really out-done itself, kudos to them.’’