Poland, Serbia Clash Will Help Eagles – Adepoju
Ex-international Mutiu Adepoju says Nigeria’s friendly matches against Poland and Serbia will help prepare the Super Eagles well for the oncoming World Cup fiesta.
Adepoju, speaking in Abuja on Monday, urged Nigeria coach Gernot Rohr to look at the better side of the fixtures to prepare for the Eagles’ group opponents – Argentina, Croatia and Iceland – at the World Cup.
The Tunisia ’94 Africa Cup of Nations winner said, “Poland are one of the forces to reckon with in European football, you can’t get all the desired friendly matches given FIFA’s tight schedules, clubs and individual country’s plans.
“The Serbian team are also good, I think the outcome of the two matches will help the coach to perfect his plans for the World Cup.’’
Nigeria are billed to play Poland in Warsaw on March 23 and Serbia on March 27 in London.
On the players that should feature in the friendlies, Adepoju said players should be selected based on their current forms.
The former midfielder, who represented Nigeria at the USA ’94 and France ’98 World Cups, said, “The list has not come out yet. I believe Rohr will pick the best players.
“Although many Nigerian players are doing so well in their clubs, he can only have 23 players on his list.
“Rohr will go for the best to deliver the mandate given to him by the nation.
“Let us continue to give Rohr more support on his mission to make an impact at the World Cup.’’
He urged players that would make the list to be patriotic and put the nation first during the matches.