WORLD CUP FOCUS: Isaac Semitoje backs Nigeria to cause upsets in Russia

Alex Iwobi (R) of Nigeria celebrates with his teammate Brian Idowu (L) after scoring the 2-2 equalizer during the International Friendly soccer match between Argentina and Nigeria in Krasnodar, Russia, 14 November 2017. EPA/YURI KOCHETKOV

by Phumzile Ngcatshe

Thursday Apr 05, 2018. 12:30

Ex-Nigeria defender Isaac Semitoje has called on the Super Eagles to focus on the task at hand and not consider mind games ahead of the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.

Semitoje also expressed optimism that Gernot Rohr’s men can shock the football world in Russia, saying he hopes the players and coaches will ignore mind games by their group rivals.

The West Africans will also play three more friendlies against the Democratic Republic of Congo, England and Czech Republic after their meetings with Poland and Serbia last month.

"It is good that the Eagles are playing friendly games before the World Cup. It will help the team a lot. What they need now is focus,” he told Allnigeriasoccer.

"Focus now means working to improve on their skill sets and ignoring mind games that may be played by their group opponents.

"Despite being grouped along some with big countries, we (Nigeria) have good players but I hope they will not be awed by the prospect of playing against world class players from Argentina, Croatia and even Iceland.

''The players also need to be lucky with injuries."

Semitoje was a member of the Super Eagles squad to win the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations where Nigeria won the trophy for a second time in their history.