Phidel Schools boss tips Eagles for Russia 2018 knockout stage

Sports philanthropist, Deacon Phillip Ayo Adelusi, who is also the director of Phidel Schools, Lagos, believes the Super Eagles have the quality to reach the knockout stage of the Russia 2018 World Cup. He also predicts that Argentina will join Nigeria to qualify for the second round from Group D.

“From what the NFF has done over the matches’ bonus issue, the agreement between the players and the federation, I sincerely believe we will go beyond our usual second round. Money has always caused distractions in the past World Cup but the NFF has done what is unprecedented in our history, there won’t be competing issues,” he said.

Adelusi says although Croatia and Iceland should not pose problem for the Eagles, he warned the players and technical crew not to be carried away by the recent 4-2 win over Argentina in an international friendly.

“I have a strong belief that we will beat Argentina for the first time in a FIFA World Cup match. They have always been a thorn on our flesh. In 1994, we lost concentration after Samson Siasia exquisite finish, which was not enough as we went down 1-2. In 2002, we lost in the group stage and it continued in 2010 at South Africa. At the last edition, we lost 3-2 in Brazil.

“We need to end this losing streak and I am quite sure our boys will prevail this time around,” he said.

Adelusi, who is the patron of the on– going Lagos Inter Schools Cup, urged the Eagles to give their best in the matches against Croatia and Iceland, saying they would determine Nigeria’s final position at the group stage.

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