Eagles’ Progress Gladdens Onigbinde

Former Nigerian manager, Adegboye Onigbinde has awarded the Super Eagles high marks in the 2-3 loss to former champions, Argentina.

The Eagles were pegged back on Wednesday by the South Americans in their last group game in Porto Alegre in the ongoing FIFA World Cup in Brazil.

Onigbinde said the nation’s campaigners showed class in the game against Argentina and could have comfortably won the duel.

“It was a good game as the Super Eagles showed class and tremendous improvement against Argentina.

“It’s not about the result but the standard of play on both sides. The Eagles played very well it’s just unfortunate that it ended in favour of Argentina.

“The beauty of the whole exercise is that Nigeria have booked their ticket to the next round of the competition.

“Unarguably, it was a glorious performance from the Super Eagles, I’m completely satisfied with the performance of the team.

“Football is a team game so I won’t indulge in the practice to start to assess the performance from individual player’s perspective. The team did very well,” said the former CAF and FIFA technical instructor to supersport.com.

Onigbinde said the Eagles have reached the point that they will be able to take on any opponents that come their way, including the round of 16 foes, France.

“I have never seen any team either as underdogs or superstars more, especially with the unusual results that the ongoing World Cup has turned in.

“I only challenge my wards to see every game as a Cup final so the Eagles have proved themselves capable to take on any side.

“I’m certain they’ll handle France or any other opponents perfectly well at any stage of the competition,” Onigbinde said.

Onigbinde however said he expects the Eagles to contest for the podium dance at the ongoing World Cup in Brazil.

“I’m looking forward to seeing the Super Eagles bring the World Cup trophy to Nigeria that is my candid expectation,” Onigbinde enthused.

Nigeria are most likely to confront France who are in pole position to win Group E in the round of 16 in Brasilia on June 30. Nigeria ended their group campaign on four points, five points behind Argentina.