Nigeria coach Stephen Keshi made a quick review of the international friendly match played against Italy on Monday and concluded that Nigeria would have beaten four-time world champions Italy but for the excessive respect, the Super Eagles paid the Azzuris.The match played at Fulham Club’s Craven Cottage ended in a 2-2 draw.
Keshi said, “Maybe, we had too much of respect for them, but I am sure if by chance we meet at theWorld Cup, we will put up a better performance.”Thereafter the manager told the players that nobody was guaranteed any shirt going to Brazil 2014 World Cup. He therefore demanded more work and focus from his players for them to make the cut to the competition.
“It’s time to go back and work hard for our various club sides and stay healthy, because that will form the basis for invitation when we resume next year.“The truth is that not everybody here will go to the World Cup, but that is how football goes, so those who want to be part of the team must remain fit and play regularly for their club sides.”
But despite his earlier statement while addressing the players in the locker room, Keshi later acknowledged the role the journey from Calabar to London would have played in the game. In a later interview with AFP he praised his players for shrugging off the effects of jet lag and fatigue to hold Italy to a 2-2 draw in an entertaining friendly in London.
Monday’s game came barely 48 hours after the African champions had secured their place at next year’s World Cup with a 2-0 victory over Ethiopia in the second leg of a qualifying play-off.“After 48 hours, playing a World Cup qualifying match and flying right away here, they did good,” Keshi said.“Without sleeping, and we didn’t get to do any training before this game. I’m happy.”
Chelsea star Mikel Obi who also took a review of the Eagles performance said Nigeria would cause some upsets at next year’s World Cup in Brazil.
Mikel is sure that Nigeria has the potentials to upset the world in Brazil, if the players played with the same spirit that enabled the team win the Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa earlier this year.“The potentials are obvious but we must avoid arrogance and complacency. With that this team will go places,” he said.
England-based stars like Mikel Obi, Shola Ameobi and Victor Moses returned to their clubs early Tuesday.
Keshi and other team officials are expected back in Nigeria on Thursday morning, as they will depart London Wednesday night via Heathrow Airport for Lagos.
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