SUPER Eagles’ Coach, Stephen Keshi, has dismissed the claim by Argentina manager, Alejandro Sabella, that Nigeria, Iran and Bosnia Herzogovina are all afraid of the La Albiceleste, saying that his team has no reason to fear anybody at the Brazil 2014 World Cup.
Nigeria is pitched against Iran, Argentina and Bosnia in Group F of the 2014 World Cup, which kicks off on June 12.
In an interview published in the Argentine media, Sabella said Nigeria and the other Group F opponents would be intimidated by the quality of attackers at his disposal in Brazil.
But Keshi, who said the Argentines should be worried by the Super Eagles’ work ethics, argues that no team at the Mundial Coupe has the power to intimidate his boys.
Speaking during the launch of Peak brand of milk’s promotion in support of the Super Eagles’ World Cup campaign Tuesday, Keshi said, “Afraid? I am not afraid of Argentina or any team in the World Cup.”
Part of the issues Keshi did not address Tuesday was the fact that so many Nigerian players are not getting enough playing time in their various clubs while star-studded Argentine players play regularly in their own clubs.
Players like Lionel Messi, Sergio Aguero, Gonzalo Higuain, Fernando Gago, Di Maria and Carlos Tevez are regulars in their clubs.
Top Nigerian players – Mikel Obi, Victor Moses, Victor Obinna have become benchwarmers in their clubs thereby heightening the blood pressures of Nigerian fans.
The South Americans are favourites to qualify from the group and Sabella says all he needs to do is sort out their defence, as their striking options can do the damage.
“Our rivals will fear us. Argentina has an amazing front line,” Sabella said on the national team’s official website.
“It’s very hard to be World champions. We don’t have to believe that we are the best. In fact, we know we’re not the best, but we are candidates. We can’t go into the tournament thinking we’ve won it.
“I don’t know if I’ll take seven or eight defenders. Depends on whether I include another midfielder. The best thing is to try and cover all the areas. Almost certainly those who are here now will be making it.”
Nigeria opens its campaign in Brazil against Iran on June 16, meets Bosnia on June 21 before rounding off the group stage with a game against Argentina on June 25.
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