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Utaka confident Eagles can survive ‘tough’ World Cup group

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John-Utaka

Former Super Eagles striker, John Utaka is of the opinion that the current crop of players in the national team are young and talented enough to qualify from the Group stage of 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.

Gernot Rohr’s men were drawn in Group D of the global showpiece alongside two-time winners, Argentina; European giants, Croatia; and first-timers, Iceland.

Utaka, who crashed out in the group stage of the 2002 Korea/Japan World Cup with the Super Eagles, is however confident that Nigeria can reach the next round of the 2018 competition despite the pedigree of their opponents.

The Montpellier and Rennes forward was quoted by Complete Sports as saying: “It is a tough group and I can confidently say that all teams in the group are extremely good. But I am confident Nigeria can survive the Group D war and move on to the next round.”

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He added: “The Nigeria manager (Rohr) is doing a good job and he has been able to come up with a relatively young and talented side too. I wish this team the best of luck.”

Nigeria will begin their World Cup campaign against Croatia on June 16, before facing Iceland and Argentina on matchday two and three respectively.

Meanwhile, the Super Eagles will play DR Congo in a farewell friendly game at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium in Port Harcourt next weekend.

The team is also billed to play England in Wembley on June 2 and then Czech Republic on June 6 in Austria before finally jetting out to represent the nation in the World Cup finals in Russia.

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