KANU BEGS SUPER EAGLES: Play for Nigeria, NOT personal glory
.Says Nigeria will be difficult to handle in Russia
Former national team captain, Nwankwo Kanu has said that absence of star players in the Super Eagles will be an advantage at the 2018 World Cup in Russia beginning on June 16 against Croatia, insisting that: ”Putting on the green-and-white jersey should mean more to them than personal glory.”
Former national team captain, Nwankwo Kanu has said that absence of star players in the Super Eagles will be an advantage at the 2018 World Cup in Russia beginning on June 16 against Croatia, insisting that: ”Putting on the green-and-white jersey should mean more to them than personal glory.”
Kanu, who spoke at the launch of the Ultimate Football Fan Reality TV show yesterday, said that the Eagles would be difficult to play since there are no stars in the team to mark out. He also noted that there is no need comparing the current crop of players to any other generation as they have their peculiarities.
While commending Coach Gernot Rohr for bringing his experience to bear on the players in the Eagles, he said the team must learn from the friendly games it is playing.
“What is important is to pick one or two lessons from the friendly games. We should not get carried away by the results but use the games to build a strong side. A lot of countries are also watching us so whatever we do in those games is what they will use against us. And I am sure the experienced coach will add value to the team.
“My advice is that the players should know that they are going to Russia to represent the biggest country in Africa, the giant of Africa, Nigeria. Putting on the green and white jersey should mean more to them than personal glory. They should know that playing for the country is bigger than playing for their respective clubs. So they should go to Russia and make Nigerian proud,” he added.
“This team is very good. No need comparing them with any other set of Eagles’ players because those are different era. Right now we have to look at the present team and see what they are capable of doing. For me it is a very good side. There are no stars in the team but they will excel as a unit,” Kanu added.
The Atlanta Olympic gold medal winner urged the players to work for each other and go about their game diligently. “This is the first time I am seeing a team and not stars coming together to play for the Eagles. Those on the reserve bench are as good as the ones on the pitch. They are also very young and energetic, while the few experienced players will provide the needed balance.”