5th August, 2011
The fear of Brazil is the beginning of wisdom for Coach of Nigeria’s Flying Eagles in the ongoing FIFA World Cup in Colombia.
Speaking after their training last night, Obuh said his target is to beat Saudi Arabia in their last group game tomorrow in order to top the group and avoid Brazil in the second round match.
Nigeria must top their group or face three-time world champions Brazil in the Round of 16. The South Americans topped Group E ahead of Egypt and will meet the second-placed team in Group D.
Nigeria currently top the group on goal difference and a victory or a draw against the Saudis tomorrow will be sufficient for them to keep top spot and face any of the best losers in Groups B, E or F.
Obuh wants to avoid difficult opponents for now as his sets his sights on taking his team farther down the road. But he knows the hugely impressive Saudis will not be easy pickings.
“They are a high-scoring side having scored eight goals without conceding any in two matches and so they deserve our respect,” Obuh said shortly after the team’s first training in Pereira at the Club Campestre last night.
“However, we want to still go very far in this tournament and would therefore wish for an easier second round match.”
If Nigeria top the group they could meet fellow Africans Cameroon or England. They could also meet Panama again.