President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Amaju Pinnick has assured Nigerians that the Super Eagles would make it to the second round of the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
Nigeria were on Saturday beaten 2-0 by Croatia in their Group D opener, putting their passage to the round of 16 in doubt.
However, Pinnick has said all hopes are not lost. “We expected to win against Croatia but it did not happen and the whole team, as well as the Federation, have put that behind us and looking ahead with hope to the next two matches,” Pinnick told the NFF media.
“I have spoken with the Coach and the players and they have confidence that the job can be done. They feel bad to have lost the first match and are determined to go out there and do what they have to do against Iceland on Friday.
“Losing your first match of a major competition is not an automatic exit ticket. Spain lost their first match of the 2010 FIFA World Cup finals and still went ahead to win the tournament.
“We have a young team that can achieve so much with the right attitude and invention, and we must now reach deep down for those qualities when we play Iceland in Volgograd.
“At this tournament, world champions Germany have lost their first match; Argentina have been held to a draw; 2010 World Cup winners Spain have been held to a draw and; Brazil could not defeat Switzerland. France even struggled before defeating Australia with a late goal. So much is still possible.” Nigeria will take on Iceland on Friday.
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