Russia 2018: Eguavoen, Ikpeba, Shorunmu, confident

Former Nigerian internationals, Austin Eguavoen, Victor Ikpeba and Ike Shorunmu have expressed optimism about the ability of the Super Eagles to scale through to the knockout stage of the 2018 World Cup.

This follows the World Cup draw held on Friday, where Nigeria are to battle with Argentina, Croatia and Iceland in group D at Russia 2018.

“This is the fifth time we are going to face Argentina since our debut in the World Cup in 1994. We shouldn’t be carried away with the friendlies, friendly games are different from the World Cup games.

It’s a tough group, I think Iceland are not going to be pushovers the same with Croatia, they are very good sides. I think we have to fight to get out from that group stage but what is good for us is that we are not facing Argentina in our first match. Playing against Croatia in our opening game is very good for us.

“The first game is key, the coach is here, it’s very important to pick up the maximum points against Croatia. Nigeria can move to the next stage if they put things right. It is not going to be easy because if we can pick our points from the two games before playing against Argentina, it will be better.

“The coach {Gernot Rohr} should study the players {opponents} in our group from now on because on paper, we are the better side but in football, any change can come anytime,” Ikpeba, former African Footballer of the Year declared during a television studio analysis after the draw.

Also, former Nigeria captain, Eguavoen noted that Nigeria are pitched in a fair group.

“The task {of advancing to second round} is very tough but I think is very realisable. Everybody is talking about Argentina but we need to plan our game, our strength and show them we are Africans.

“Argentina is now or never to pick our points because I think this is going to be Messi’s last World Cup, it is not going to be easy to play against Argentina. However, it is good to avoid Argentina in the opening match.

“The coach {Rohr} should know the formation to use and make it solid and get the fast players upfront. We should worry about all the teams not only Argentina, but in all, we have the chances of qualifying for next round,” Eguavoen, former Super Eagles coach stated.

Also, former Nigeria goalkeeper, Shorunmu said the Eagles are in a fair group.

“This is a good draw for our country but it now depends on our preparation for the mundial. That we are in the same group with Argentina is like a magic or whatever you can call it, but Argentina is Argentina and Nigeria is Nigeria. We have beaten Argentina before in friendlies, so, probably this time, we could get our first victory over Argentina in a real tournament,” Shorunmu featured at the 2002 World Cup against Argentina told Tribunesport.

Meanwhile, striker Odion Ighalo believes said the Super Eagles have what it takes to advance from the group stage.

“No pushover among the teams. The group is very tough but we can come out if only we get our act together. World Cup is a big game, Iceland are very good side because their qualification for the World Cup tells much about them. We have to work hard if we want to win any of our games. We have to be in our best to beat Croatia, Iceland and Argentina.

“My position in the team is key, my position is secured, but we all know that the coach has to feature the best legs and hopefully we will scale through the group stage. It will be great for Nigeria to surpass the previous record in the World Cup,” said the Changchun Yatai of China forward.

Also, defender Elderson Echiejile said the Eagles would make it to the knockout stage with proper planning.

“Excited about our group. The Journey wouldn’t be without challenges but with hardwork, preparation and focus we will do our thing #WorldcupDraw #WorldCup2018 #SoarSuperEagles #ProudlyNigerian,” tweeted the left back through Elderson Echiejile?Verified account @EldersonEch.