After all the hype with Super Eagles jersey and the many reviews that followed their camping in Austria, take off and eventual landing in Russia, it is time to get down to business on the pitch.
Nigerians are hoping for a win as the Super Eagles meet Croatia today in their first match at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.
Both teams are placed alongside Argentina and Iceland in Group D of the tournament.
The match is to be played at the Kaliningrad Stadium, Kaliningrad at 8pm Nigerian time.
Of the five African countries in quest of glory in Russia, Nigeria is considered to be in a vintage position to rise to the occasion parading a team of young players who have proved in the course of the qualifiers that they can deliver. Although their performance in the friendly matches leading to t
he world cup were below par, some say the team would be fired up at the competition proper.
Coach Gernor Rohr who does not appear perturbed by the poor run of his boys in the friendly ties especially against England and Czech Republic, believes the boys will find their rhythm and will go all out against equally determined Croatia others called the Blazers.
Already the players have been speaking about their determination to give their best all the way.
Odion Ighalo one the players the German tactician expects to rise to the occasion said the team knows what is at stake and will not disappoint. The Eagles have a date with Iceland and Argentina respectively in Group D but analysts believe doing well in the first match will determine to a great extent how far the team can go. Nobody expects Croatia will be a tea party which means the tie will be a hard nut to crack.
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