Russia 2018: I shed tears for Super Eagles ―Onigbinde

Veteran coach and FIFA/CAF Technical Instructor, Adegboye Onigbinde, has told Super Eagles that ball possession is key to success in Friday’s crucial FIFA World Cup Russia 2018 group D clash against Iceland.

Onigbinde led the Eagles to a silver medal finish in 1984 Nations Cup in Ivory Coast. He was also at the Super Eagles technical helms at the Korea/Japan 2002 FIFA World Cup.

He became FIFA/CAF Technical Instructor in 1994 and has attended every World Cup and Nations Cup finals.

“He who holds it has it”, Onigbinde said.

“You must hold the ball to dictate its movement.

“I shed tears on Saturday watching my dear Super Eagles struggling to put two passes together when Croatia were making 10 passes or more without interruption and not losing the ball”.

The former Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) of Ibadan General Manager also warned the Eagles to improve on their marking ability.

“They also lacked marking ability or technique”, the Modakeke High Chief further pointed out.

“This resulted in the two goals we conceded against Croatia.

“For instance, when Croatia took the corner kick inside the Super Eagles box, their strikers made contact with the ball twice with the defenders nowhere or wrongly positioned, leading to the own goal.

“Secondly, because our defender (Troost-Ekong) was badly positioned, he ended up grabbing his opponent as though they were in a wrestling competition.

“These are things they should not allow to repeat against Iceland if they hope to make the best of their desire to win and progress to the next stage of the competition,” Onigbinde told Scorenigeria.