5th June, 2014
The Special Assistant to Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola of Lagos State on Football Matters, Anthony Adeyinka Adeboye has said that he expects the Super Eagles to qualify from the group phase of the World Cup and possibly, be among the last eight countries in Brazil.
Speaking to journalists in Lagos, the former Obanta Warriors and Kwara United Team Manager expressed satisfaction with the performance of the team against Scotland while admitting that the African champions will go far at the World Cup.
“It’s absolutely obvious that Stephen Keshi is a good manager and probably among the best in the world. The Super Eagles have recorded tremendous progress under him. The World Cup is a big event which I believe the Super Eagles have the chances of progressing beyond the first round,” said Adeboye
He added “Argentina are undoubtedly the team to beat in the group while Nigeria and Bosnia-Herzegovina will fight for the second spot. I see the Super Eagles as the second team, owing to their experience and caliber of players in the team. I expect them to go beyond the second round irrespective of the opposition they come against. I also believe strongly that Nigeria will be in the quarter final in Brazil.”
Adeboye’s office recently partnered Werder Bremen Football Club of Germany to organise a successful second season of a developmental football programme, tagged Eko Football Talent Hunt 2. The The former Deputy Marshal of Kick Against Indiscipline, KAI in Lagos State also praised the national team handler for his courage in the selection of the final 23-man list for the World Cup. He stated that Keshi’s team are a combination of youth, experience and talent.
The Super Eagles will file out against Iran on 16 June in their first of the group phase of the World Cup. Bosnia-Herzegovina would be their next opponent on 21 June while they face Argentina on 25 June.