Former African footballer of the year Didier Drogba has advised the Super Eagles to go on the attack, use their pace and power, and have lots of shots against Argentina.
Nigeria take on the struggling two-time world champions on Tuesday, hoping to at least avoid defeat to progress to the round of 16 at the 2018 Fifa World Cup in Russia.
The Eagles kept their hopes of progressing alive after spanking Iceland 2-0 in their second Group D match on Friday.
On their part, Argentina need an outright win against the west Africans to stand a chance of progressing, having drawn and lost their last two games.
And Drogba, an Ivorian football legend, who is a columnist for the World Cup with BBC Sport, said Nigeria must maintain their style against the wounded South Americans.
“It has been a disappointing start to the World Cup for Africa – until Nigeria beat Iceland on Friday. There had been six defeats in seven games for the five African countries in Russia. So it was great to see the Super Eagles win, but the way they did it was just as important and impressive,” the former Chelsea stars said.
“In the second half, Nigeria came to life and played the way I want to see all the African teams play – going on the attack, using their pace and power, and having lots of shots. That is what I did not see in their first game against Croatia, when Nigeria were playing within themselves – keeping a good shape, playing safe, and passing the ball from side to side.
“This time, they went out just to win. They played with two strikers and they were so fast and aggressive going forward that they frightened Iceland. They were spontaneous and exciting, which is the way I expected them to play at this World Cup – and that is why they won the game.
“The point I am making is that they need to keep their identity as a team. It is important they keep doing that if they are going to reach the last 16. If they decide to stay defensive and start fearing conceding goals, they will be going home.”
Post a Comment