Team to train behind closed doors today
BY PAUL EREWUBA
Former Super Eagles coach, Christian Chukwu, has warned the John Mikel Obi – captained Super Eagles not to be complacent as they file out against Algeria this weekend in a crucial Russia 2018 World Cup qualifier.
Chukwu fondly called “Chairman” in his heyday , said it would be suicidal for the Eagles to take things for granted as a result of the away victory recorded over Zambia in the opening fixture of the qualification series.
“My major advice to the team is that they should not be over confident. The fact that we won away in Zambia means Algeria can also come here and get a result. So the boys should keep their composure and focus on getting three points. They must not go into the game believing that after beating Zambia it would be an easy ride all the way.”
Chukwu, however said with the right attitude as well as maximum support from the fans, the Eagles would scale the Algerian hurdle on Saturday.
“The fans equally have a role to play. They must cheer the team non stop, the way North Africans do at home. If we all play our roles well as stakeholders, I think we will get the result we need,” Chukwu concluded.
Meanwhile, today’s Super Eagles training session will be shut to the press and fans, the Nigeria Football Federation has ordered.
It is believed that Franco-German coach Rohr plans to use today’s workout, which begins at 1600 hours, to perfect his strategies for the match and the media will not be allowed to witness the session unlike what happened on Tuesday and Wednesday.
On Wednesday morning, Rohr tried out the starting eleven he has in mind against the North Africans when they faced the second team in a practice game which ended goalless.
The Nigerian soccer federation has compensated the media, with a press conference scheduled to hold at Le Meridien Hotel, starting from 1200 hours today.