Eguavoen feels Croatia match is crucial to how far Eagles will go in World Cup

There is a high chance of the Super Eagles reaching the second round of the 2018 World Cup if they can beat Croatia in their group opener, according to former head coach of the team, Augustine Eguavoen.

Nigeria will kick off their World Cup campaign against Croatia on June 16, before facing Iceland (June 22) and Argentina (June 26) at the global showpiece in Russia.

Eguavoen, who wore Nigeria’s colours at the 1994 edition of the competition in the US, reckons that it is important that the team start their campaign on a positive note.

Speaking to Complete Sports recently, the Delta state-born admitted the game against the Croats will “no doubt be a crucial one” for the Eagles.

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But added that “They (Super Eagles) need to win the game to make things easy for themselves in the competition.”

“Iceland are not as strong as Croatia and Argentina, but I strongly believe they won’t be an easy opposition.

“Argentina, we know are one of the favourites to win the competition with a lot of top quality stars including Lionel Messi.

“The task before the team is a tough one, but if they can beat Croatia in the first game, then they have a big chance of advancing into the next round.”

Meanwhile, Gernot Rohr’s team are set to face DR Congo at Abuja as a farewell pre-World Cup friendly, before traveling to Wembley to play England on June 2 and Czech Republic few days after.

 

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