BRAZIL2014: Eagles ‘ll Prove Doubters Wrong, Says Erico

*Sunday Mbah

Coach Joseph Erico has said that the Super Eagles of Nigeria may win the World Cup 2014 in Brazil, only if the Nigeria Football Federation would provide the enabling environment. “Just like we saw of the team win the African Cup of Nations in South Africa, what our players need are right incentives and recognition then you will see them come up with there best form and performance. I believe there is the need for NFF to see the world cup as a big project by which those issues that caused rancor in camp as in past practice are eliminated. If it is well planned, we will get the best out of the players and we may win the cup,” he stated.
Erico, who was the former assistant coach of the national team as goal keepers’ trainer said with right environment, players like to up their game beyond talent but also in expression of patriotism and satisfaction of personal goals and targets. “So, we have no reason not to exploit the opportunity that we have now to show the world we can do it. The ball is in the court of NFF to get it right because players and coaches have already shown their willingness and a huge capacity to do more, he said.
But he said coach Stephen Keshi must use the African Nations Championship, CHAN in South Africa January 2014 to decide his team. “After CHAN, I think that experimentation with new players must end so he can focus on the world cup proper. And I think there is need to work for attacking options, defensive solidity and team work. I know with the right things in place, we will get it right," he added.
Erico alongside Stephen Keshi and Amodu Shuaibu qualified Nigeria for the Korea/ Japan World Cup in 2002 but were all however drop from attending the event proper.