ABUJA – Sports enthusiasts have expressed confidence in the ability of the Super Eagles to win their second game against Bosnia-Herzegovina in the ongoing 2014 World cup in Brazil.
The Super Eagles will lock horns with Bosnia-Herzegovina in their second Group F match on Saturday, June 21.
The Eagles played a goalless draw against Iran in their opening game on June 16.
Football stakeholders who spoke to NAN in separate interviews on Thursday, expressed optimism that the Super Eagles would qualify for the knockout stages.
Bitrus Bewarang, the National President of the Nigeria Football Coaches Association, agreed that a win would have been better than the goalless draw played by the team in their opening match.
He, however, said:“The second game will settle all issues comfortably in Nigeria’s favour; the good thing is that the players and technical officials realise the importance of their next match.
“The good thing is that the players and technical officials realise that was one match they should have won.
“They would, therefore, approach this game with a different attitude and spirit, and hopefully achieve a better result,” he said.
Also, Solomon Ogbeide, the Secretary-General, Nigeria Football Coaches Association, tipped the Super Eagles to sail over Bosnia-Herzegovina and qualify for the second round.
“I am confident that the Super Eagles will be one of the 16 teams to advance to the knockout stage.
“I have no doubt about that. When we meet Bosnia in the second group match, it will be a different ball game,” he said.
Ogbeide, an ex-Warri Wolves Technical Adviser, said the game promised to be one of the best matches the Eagles had ever played.
“The game will be more open and explosive..”
Musa Talle, the Chairman, FCT Football Association, noted that the Super Eagles could not afford to dash the hopes of the African continent.
“The match against Bosnia is a must win.
“As African champions, I believe they know what is at stake here and hopefully that should spur them on to victory against Bosnia and ensure qualification to the next round.
“The mere thought that a draw or a loss would automatically end their World cup dreams will act as a catalyst for the Eagles,” he said.
Argentina tops Group F with three points, while Nigeria and Iran tie at one point each with the Bosnians at the bottom of the table without a point.
Victory against Bosnia-Herzegovina in Cuiaba on Saturday will take the Super Eagles to four points with a probable place in the round of 16, as Argentina is most likely to defeat Iran the same day in Belo Horizonte. (NAN)
