Eagles can shock Argentina like Cameroon – Elaho

 

Super Eagles celebrating 2013 AFCON victory

Algiers ’90 Africa Cup of Nations silver medallist Friday Elaho is confident that Nigeria can shock powerhouse Argentina in their 2014 World Cup clash.

Nigeria are drawn in Group F alongside Argentina, debuntants Bosnia-Herzegovina and  Iran.  Brazil 2014 will make it   the fourth time Nigeria and Argentina will be  grouped  together  at  World Cup. They were in the same group at USA ’94, Korea/Japan 2002 and South Africa 2010 finals, and the South Americans  won  the three encounters.

But Elaho  believes the story will be different in Brazil and is backing  the Super Eagles to win their three games to top Group F ahead of tournament favourites La Albiceleste (The White and Sky Blue).

“The Eagles can shock Argentina if they work very hard,” the former Nigeria left-winger told our correspondent on the telephone during the week.

“Many people wrote Cameroon  off  when they were drawn against Argentina at the 1990 World Cup in Italy.

“Cameroon had no big names and many people said Diego Maradona  and Claudio Caniggia would score at will. But Cameroon won 1-0 (through Francois Omam-Biyik’s 67th minute strike).

“We can emulate Cameroon by beating Argentina (in Porto Alegre on June 25). The Eagles have the quality to  do what Cameroon did in 1990. They can do it if they are committed and believe in themselves.

“Argentina have Lionel Messi,  (Sergio) Aguero, Gonzalo Higuain and (Angelo) Di Maria, who are top players, but  I don’t think our players are afraid of them.

“We have good players  and  they only need to work hard and believe in themselves. And we  should encourage them.”

The ex- Brondby  star warned the Eagles not to underestimate Bosnia-Herzegovina and  Iran, saying  they could pose a serious threat to Nigeria’s second round qualification hopes.

“Bosnia-Herzegovina and Iran are no big teams but we shouldn’t underrate them,” the 46-year-old former Bendel Insurance player said.

“We have played against Argentina at previous World Cups and we are familiar with their approach to the game but we have not played the two  other opponents.

“I fear Bosnia-Herzegovina because they have some good players. I don’t know much about Iran but I believe they are good.

“We should prepare very well for every game in the competition because anything can happen in football.”

Elaho called for support for coach Stephen Keshi, saying the Nigeria Football Federation should arrange a series of friendly games for the Eagles ahead of the World Cup.

“We can reach the quarterfinals if we work hard,” the ex-Iwuanyanwu Nationale player said.

“Our players must believe in themselves and give their best in every game. They must be determined and focused.”