Rohr Takes Subtle Dig At Oliseh : No One Has The Right To Write Off Argentina

Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr has insisted that Argentina are one of the favourites to win the 2018 Fifa World Cup, adding that they should not be written off by pundits.

It would be recalled that former Nigeria manager Sunday Oliseh recently opined that The Albiceleste will not be one of the four semifinalists in Russia and tipped Germany (world champions), Spain, France, Brazil, Egypt and Nigeria as likely to get to the last four stages.

Asked if Iceland and Croatia would be easier than Argentina, Rohr told Sportske Novosti : ''I do not see that, there is no difference. All three games will be difficult and demanding.

''Let's say, Argentina. It hardly comes to the World Cup, however, Argentina will grow, be better and certainly no one has the right to write Argentina out of the list of favorites for the title of champions.''

Speaking on the importance of Nigeria's World Cup opener against Croatia, Rohr said : ''The first game in each tournament is very important, that's right. However, the remaining two are equally important.

''You remember, Spain lost the first match eight years ago, eventually became the world champion. Also, there have been times when the national team wins in this first match and then stumbles.

''We think in a way that we have at least three matches in the tournament and we want to play all three as best as we can to get to the second round.''

Igho Kingsley