“I’m not God. I’m just a coach and I will do what I have to do and that’s it. Even the best coaches in the world cannot tell you they will win before the game.”
These were the exact words of the Head Coach of the Super Eagles of Nigeria, Stephen Keshi, after the lackluster performance of the Eagles in their opening match with Iran in the ongoing World Cup tournament in Brazil.
Keshi added: “We will try to prepare ourselves. We will work together and see what happens. We saw (a surprise result from) Costa Rica, we saw (another surprise result) Holland and Spain. With football, you never can tell. Whatever comes my way, I will take it.”
The chief Coach however asked his players to produce a polished performance against a Bosnia side who frustrated Group F favourites Argentina before slipping to a 2-1 loss in their opener.
And the shock wins for Costa Rica and the Netherlands in Brazil have given Nigeria coach Stephen Keshi hope of stunning Bosnia-Herzegovina.
The Netherlands romped to a 5-1 win over defending champions Spain while Costa Rica defeated Uruguay 3-1 as the opening round of fixtures at the FIFA World Cup in Brazil served up plenty of eye-catching results.
Despite being tournament debutants, Bosnia sit 21st in the world rankings – Nigeria are 44th – but Keshi is confident of springing a surprise.
Saturday’s crucial clash in Cuiaba will be the first meeting between the two countries, with Nigeria having started their World Cup campaign with a dour goalless draw against Iran.
[myad]
