2018 World Cup: Drogba warns Eagles against using defensive approach with Argentina
Mon Jun 25, 2018 10:57:am Sports
3.6K By Obiaks Blog
An African Football legend has urged the Nigeria national team to stick to the style of play displayed in the second half of their encounter against Iceland, when they face footballing giants Argentina in the final round of group matches.
Former Ivory Coast captain Didier Drogba, said in order for the Super Eagles of Nigeria to reach the knockout stages of the competition and beyond, they must keep to their aggressive and fast style of play.
Drogba, a pundit for the World Cup with BBC Sport said, "It has been a disappointing start to the World Cup for Africa – until Nigeria beat Iceland on Friday. There had been six defeats in seven games for the five African countries in Russia. So it was great to see the Super Eagles win, but the way they did it was just as important and impressive.
"In the second half, Nigeria came to life and played the way I want to see all the African teams play – going on the attack, using their pace and power, and having lots of shots. That is what I did not see in their first game against Croatia, when Nigeria were playing within themselves – keeping a good shape, playing safe, and passing the ball from side to side.
"This time, they went out just to win. They played with two strikers and they were so fast and aggressive going forward that they frightened Iceland. They were spontaneous and exciting, which is the way I expected them to play at this World Cup – and that is why they won the game.
"The point I am making is that they need to keep their identity as a team. It is important they keep doing that if they are going to reach the last 16. If they decide to stay defensive and start fearing conceding goals, they will be going home."
Former Ivory Coast captain Didier Drogba, said in order for the Super Eagles of Nigeria to reach the knockout stages of the competition and beyond, they must keep to their aggressive and fast style of play.
Drogba, a pundit for the World Cup with BBC Sport said, "It has been a disappointing start to the World Cup for Africa – until Nigeria beat Iceland on Friday. There had been six defeats in seven games for the five African countries in Russia. So it was great to see the Super Eagles win, but the way they did it was just as important and impressive.
"In the second half, Nigeria came to life and played the way I want to see all the African teams play – going on the attack, using their pace and power, and having lots of shots. That is what I did not see in their first game against Croatia, when Nigeria were playing within themselves – keeping a good shape, playing safe, and passing the ball from side to side.
"This time, they went out just to win. They played with two strikers and they were so fast and aggressive going forward that they frightened Iceland. They were spontaneous and exciting, which is the way I expected them to play at this World Cup – and that is why they won the game.
"The point I am making is that they need to keep their identity as a team. It is important they keep doing that if they are going to reach the last 16. If they decide to stay defensive and start fearing conceding goals, they will be going home."
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