Despite the 2-2 draw played by the Super Eagles of Nigeria and the Tartan Army of Scotland in an international friendly at the Craven Cottage, Fulham, on Wednesday night, Nigerians have been assured that the team will deliver at the FIFA World Cup billed to kick off on June 12 in Brazil.
The assurances came from two ex-internationals, Peter Rufai and Victor Ikpeba, as well as a former technical director of the national teams, Kashimawo Laloko.
In separate chats with the trio, Nigerians were advised not to judge the team with the international friendly in London.
Ikpeba said: “The result of the match is not significant because we all understand what happened before and during the match.
“Scotland is not going to the World Cup. And some of the Super Eagles players played the match under tension for fear of being dropped from the team.
“However, I’m confident that the team will make Africa and Nigeria proud when the World Cup kicks off in Brazil. A quarter-final or semi-final stage will not be an over-statement for the team.”
Rufai dismissed the fear of goalkeeping problem in the team following Austin Ejide’s performance in the match, but assured that it will be taken care of.
“The team has a sound technical crew with Stephen Keshi as head. The goalkeepers’ trainer, Ike Shorunmu, is also a reliable coach as well as Daniel Amokachi. I don’t have problems with the crew.
“What happened to Ejide could have happened to any other keeper because it has been long that he has been given such assignment. But I know that he is equal to the task when the chips are down.
“All things being equal, there is no cause for alarm on the part of the team. The players will deliver at the World Cup and I see them going beyond the preliminary stage,” he said.
In his view, Laloko called on Keshi to be objective in his selection and go for only the best 23 out of the 30 currently in camp.
He said: “Objectivity should be his guide word. If he is objective in his selection, I have no doubt that the team will go far in the competition.
“The team is blessed with experienced players, with young and determined ones who are rearing to go and play for their names.
“This will be a World Cup where Nigeria will surprise football pundits. But the players must not underrate their opponents because at the World Cup, there are no underdogs,” he said.
The Super Eagles scored a late equaliser in the encounter to level scores at 2-2.
Charlie Mulgrew’s flick from a shot outside the area was deflected past Austin Ejide for their first goal.
Nigeria drew level on 41 minutes after Michael Uchebo’s shot deflected off Grant Hanley into the net, after he took a pass from Reuben Gabriel.
The second half saw the Scots start as brightly as they did in the first half, and they were 2-1 up within seven minutes of the re-start.
Hutton crossed in low into the box, and it was Babatunde Odunlami who got the last touch, after Azubuike Egwueke had deflected past Ejide.
Keshi then threw on Osaze Odemwingie, Victor Moses, Nosa Igiebor, Nnamdi Oduamadi and Uche Nwofor.
And it was Nwofor that got the equaliser on the dot of 90 minutes, as he put away a loose ball, as the Scots failed to clear their lines.
