Berates Nigerian fans
Nigeria coach Stephen Keshi has said his side will play for a win in today’s last group game against Argentina in Porto Alegre.
The Super Eagles need just a point to reach the second round for the first time in 16 years. However, a defeat will see them through if Iran fail to beat Bosnia in the other encounter.
Expected to garner support from Brazilians against their arch-rivals who expect 80, 000 supporters from across the border, the 51-year-old said his boys would not be intimidated by the predominant support base that Porto Alegre will offer to the Albiceleste.
“We’re here to play; if we have the support of the Brazilians we will appreciate it. But we are not looking at that; we are just here to win our game,” Keshi told journalists.
It is the fourth time both teams will meet in the World Cup Finals, with the South Americans winning in all three previous encounters.
All attention is on one man, captain Lionel Messi, who has scored twice already and is familiar with the Nigerians. The talisman got a birthday message from the Nigeria coach.
“My team and I want to wish him a very happy birthday. We want to wish him a healthy long life, all his heart’s desires.
“If there is a way to stop him, it is something that I will share with my players and coaches,” he said.
Goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama, who gave a yeoman performance against Messi at the 2010 World Cup Finals also praised the player but said he was not up against one man but the whole Argentina frontline.
“He’s one of the best players in the world and has made a lot of progress since the last time we met.
“It might not be a game between him and me, it’s going to be Nigeria against Argentina. There are other players like [Sergio] Aguero and [Angel] di Maria.
“I watch tapes of opponents; I have done that. We have studied their tapes, their strengths and weaknesses,”said Enyeama.
Nigeria are going to see if defender Godfrey Oboabona is fit enough to start the match as the coach said he is back to training after his injury against Iran.
Keshi hopes to take some lessons from the Argentines’ laboured victory over Team Melli last Friday.
Meanwhile, a furious Stephen Keshi has lashed out at the country’s fans, saying it is a shame they have abused his person for the team’s showing at Brazil 2014.
The Super Eagles and Keshi came under heavy fire from angry fans after they could only manage a 0 – 0 draw with Iran in their opening group game at the World Cup Finals in Brazil.
But Keshi has taken serious exception to the fans’ rage, saying there was no justification for them to insult his person.
“I am disappointed, totally disappointed (by the personal attacks), but it’s their thing, no wahala (no problem).
“It’s a shame, just a shame that we keep doing the same thing and then they come back and they say they are sorry. Sorry for abusing my mum? Sorry for abusing my siblings? For what? That I am representing Nigeria?” Keshi fumed.
AfricanFootball.com can recall that ‘Big Boss’ Keshi has already fired a salvo at his fellow former football mates who tore at his team and tactics in Brazil.
He said he had expected much better from them as they ought to know better about the game than the man on the street.
Nigeria take on Argentina this evening in Porto Alegre and if they avoided defeat, they will qualify for the knockout rounds of the World Cup Finals for only the third time in their history.