By Augustine Akhilomen
Former CAF and FIFA Technical Instructor, Adegboye Onigbinde believes the crop of players being assembled by Super Eagles Technical Adviser, Gernot Rohr will beat the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon for the sole ticket to the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
Rohr has been praised for not subjecting himself to any form of pressure in terms of players invitation to the senior national team since he took over managerial role.
In all, he has earned six points for the Super Eagles in group B of the Africa 2018 World Cup qualifiers after beating teams such as Zambia 2-1 in Lusaka and Algeria 3-1 in Uyo.
With the team slated to face reigning 2017 Africa Cup of Nations champions, the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon on August 28, the Modakeke born tactician told Soccernet.com.ng that Rohr won’t be intimated Cameroon’s current status.
“I don’t believe the Super Eagles would have any cause to be worried about playing the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon, despite the fact that they are the current Africa champions. Regardless of the fact that, Camroon and Nigeria have a rich rivalry that always make any encounter very explosive, I am confident that the Super Eagles will beat them to the sole ticket for the World Cup,” Onigbinde told Soccernet.com.ng.
“There is no doubt that they (Cameroon) will feel motivated , perhaps, over-confidence could be their greatest undoing against a determined young and experienced team like Nigeria. I believe record will be made on the field of play considering the fact that both teams would be hungry for the three points.”
Onigbinde, who managed the Super Eagles at the 2002 FIFA World Cup, also mentioned that the Nigeria Football Federation must motivate the Super Eagles before and after the game against Cameroon.
“This is the time when the Nigeria Football Federation should ensure that all hands are on deck to make sure the Super Eagles overcome their Indomitable Lions of Cameroon counterpart. Money won’t be enough to get the job done but they must give them a warm welcome that would make then think nothing than thrashing Cameroon in Uyo.
“Cameroon are a strong team, no doubt about it but I believe we have players who can tear them apart come August 28 in Uyo. Yes, it’s going to be tough, however, I am confident that their won’t be any shock result except for a Super Eagles victory.”
Onigbinde took Nigeria into the final match of the 1984 Africa Nations Cup. Nigeria lost 1-3 to Cameroon in that match. Later in 1984, he took over as coach of Shooting Stars Sports Club in Ibadan and took the Club to the final of the Africa Club Champions Cup. They lost the finals to Zamalek of Egypt.
