Port Harcourt – Super Eagles coach, Sunday Oliseh on Monday advised Nigerians not to expect miracles from him and the players or put unnecessary pressure on them.
Oliseh said this at a media briefing organised by the Nigeria Football Federation, ahead of an international friendly against Niger Republic in Port Harcourt.
“We are starting a team, taking over from a situation that we did not even qualify for the 2015 AFCON.
“I do not want you to put unnecessary pressure on the players. Let us face reality that the nation is no longer at the top in terms of football.
“We should come down from the top we think we are, and go back to the reality that we are not there at the top anymore.”
He said the country had the potential and that it required time to build a new and formidable team.
“This is not a club system; it is a national team system where players come in from different clubs across the globe and spend few days to train.
“We cannot work on their physique; we work on their tactics and techniques, and that is what we are trying to do.
“But, do not expect miracles from these boys, unless you have a magical wand; I do not have it.”
Oliseh said they were not under any form of pressure as there was no need for it but gave an assurance that the team was focused to qualify for the nation’s cup.
He noted that most of the players were willing to succeed and make their nation proud.
“We have played two matches and we came back with a point and we did not concede. It is not a bad one.”
Oliseh said no qualified player would be shut out from playing for the Eagles but stressed that every player must show determination to play for his country.
“Everybody has the right to play but it is not also a birth right that you must play.
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“With all due respect, if you must play, you have to be fit and be regular, playing games in your club,“ he said.
Oliseh said the biggest challenge was getting the players to think together, adding that he was impressed with their tactical strength. (NAN)
