Don’t expect magic in Brazil – NFF

The Former assistant Secretary General, Technical of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), James Peters, has stated that Nigeria’s dream of going beyond the group stage of this year’s World Cup could only become a reality if Super Eagles are given adequate preparations and the needed support from all stakeholders.

Speaking in in Abuja, Peters who was optimistic that the country’s men senior team are condemned to going beyond their previous performances, however, noted that both head coach Stephen Keshi and Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) are on track in the build-up to the soccer fiesta scheduled for Brazil as from June 12.

According to him: “I don’t see anything wrong with the NFF insisting that it wants to look inwards to know which player is fit or not. I believe that all they want is the best for the country just like any other person. Don’t forget, once this list, either provisional or last 23-man team is submitted; there will be no chance for replacement.

“So, there is need for proper investigation to ensure that no player is nursing injury in anyway and pretend to be fit. Even if NFF tells Keshi to remove or add, it is left for the coach to take final decision.

“World Cup is not a place where any team can go and expect to perform magic and progress. You must be prepared; all hands must be on deck. All the 32 countries will be vying for one cup.

“Nothing is late about the submission of Eagles list whether this week or next. All that matters is that the federation meets with the deadline given by FIFA.”

Although, Keshi had disclosed that he has 38 players who he intends to invite earlier run, May 10 has been set as the deadline given by FIFA for any country to submit 30-man provisional list.

And as part of build-up to the World Cup Finals, Nigeria will face Scotland on May 28 in their first friendly game before heading to USA for a three week camp.