Super Eagles Midfielder Onazi Weighs In On World Cup Preparations
Published: May 11, 2018
Ogenyi Onazi has reassured the Nigerian faithfuls on the team's focus on their upcoming pre-tournament tune up games as well as putting in the best performance in the mundial next month.
Nigeria is expected to face off against Congo DR, England and Czech Republic before the commencement of tournament next month, and the team's vice captain spoke on their approach towards executing every of the assignment.
"We are not focusing on any particular game; we are getting ready to face all the teams that we have to play before the World Cup. It is the right mentality to approach the games.
"I have been asked several questions about the match against England, but I tell people that the England match is very important, just like the other matches that we have to play. What is key for us is to get into the right psychological state to confront every opposition that lie ahead, including those that will be waiting at the FIFA World Cup," Onazi told thenff.com.
The Trabzonspor ace was also quick to dismiss notions of perceived overconfidence in the team going into the competition after their friendly victories against superior sides, Argentina and Poland.
"There is nothing like over-confidence. What I can say is that we are a very ambitious team and we will always be ready to play any team. Yes, we defeated Argentina and Poland, but that has not in any way generated feelings of over-confidence in the camp. We are focused and have our heads on our shoulders.
"For us, humility and hard work will be the winning words going ahead. Our preparation is going on well and we are happy with that. At the World Cup, we will come up against different teams with different styles and approaches of play. It is important that we are adequately prepared and we appreciate the games that the NFF has lined up for us," he concluded.
Nigeria is expected to face off against Congo DR, England and Czech Republic before the commencement of tournament next month, and the team's vice captain spoke on their approach towards executing every of the assignment.
"We are not focusing on any particular game; we are getting ready to face all the teams that we have to play before the World Cup. It is the right mentality to approach the games.
"I have been asked several questions about the match against England, but I tell people that the England match is very important, just like the other matches that we have to play. What is key for us is to get into the right psychological state to confront every opposition that lie ahead, including those that will be waiting at the FIFA World Cup," Onazi told thenff.com.
The Trabzonspor ace was also quick to dismiss notions of perceived overconfidence in the team going into the competition after their friendly victories against superior sides, Argentina and Poland.
"There is nothing like over-confidence. What I can say is that we are a very ambitious team and we will always be ready to play any team. Yes, we defeated Argentina and Poland, but that has not in any way generated feelings of over-confidence in the camp. We are focused and have our heads on our shoulders.
"For us, humility and hard work will be the winning words going ahead. Our preparation is going on well and we are happy with that. At the World Cup, we will come up against different teams with different styles and approaches of play. It is important that we are adequately prepared and we appreciate the games that the NFF has lined up for us," he concluded.
Gernot Rohr's side would kick their first World Cup ball on 16th June against Croatia in Kaliningrad Stadium, in a group which also pits them against Iceland and Argentina.
Emmanuel Chinaza
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