ABUJA – Secretary-General of the Nigeria Football Association (NFA), Musa Amadu, on Wednesday assured that the Super Eagles would do well at FIFA 2014 World Cup in spite of draws against Scotland and Greece.
Nigeria recorded a 2-2 draw in an international friendly with Scotland on May 28 in London and 0-0 against Greece on June 3 in Philadelphia, U.S.
Amadu told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that Super Eagles should not be judged by the results, adding that they would raise their games during the World Cup proper.
“We’re not going to Brazil to look at the beaches. We are going there for a very serious business.
“We are African champions although we are the least ranked country in our Group. Nigeria is ranked 44 in the world, Iran is 42, Bosnia is 25 and Argentina is number seven.
“We are ranked outside but we know we have the confidence and the ability to go all the way.
“I am confident that by the time we take on the Iranians and be able to get a good result from that game and also tackle the Bosnians the way it should be, we should be able to qualify for second round and take it from there.
“Matches in the world cup are decided by a lot preparation and concentration.
“I am confident that going to our fifth World Cup, Nigerians should be able to come back home with their heads held high,’’ Amadu said.
He pointed out that the country had the opportunity of substituting an injured player within a stipulated time but expressed the optimism that the Eagles will play Iran without injury worry.
“I don’t think we should be talking negatively. I think we should be more positive in terms of the players we have. We are not looking forward to injuries. The rules are clear.
“If a player is injured within the time frame that a national association has the right to change the player, I think, for 24 hours or 48 hours before their first game.
“So, the rules are clear on this and we won’t have any problem with that but we should be more positive.
“I believe we will go into the World Cup injury-free and tackle the Iranians on June 16 with our full squad.’’
The Super Eagles will play their Iranian counterparts in their first Group F match on June 16 before engaging Bosnia-Herzegovina in the second match on June 21.
The team’s final group match will be against Argentina on June 25.
Algeria, Cameroon, Cote d’Ivoire, Ghana and Nigeria will represent Africa at the World Cup scheduled to take place between June 12 and July 13. (NAN)
