Don’t underrate Iran, Bosnia, Amuneke warns Eagles

The Sun – ABUJA, Nigerian former International, Emmanuel Amuneke, has charged the Super Eagles players and officials on the dangers of underrating their group opponents, Iran and Bosnia, frowning at the general impression that the two teams are weak sides.

The ex-Barcelona of Spain winger noted that it would be foolhardy for the coach Stephen Keshi led technical crew to under estimate the abilities of his opponents while stressing that they are not weak sides as many are wont to believe.

Asked if Nigeria is on track for the World Cup preparations, Amuneke called for respect of the two teams, stating: “The first thing is to ensure that we’re on track because the World Cup preparation goes beyond two months period.”

“We must know the challenges that come with the competition. We must be proactive to confront those challenges. I feel particularly uncomfortable when I hear people say all manner of things about Iran or Bosnia. There is this impression that Nigeria is going to beat Iran and Bosnia because they are weak, but I think we have to be a bit prudent in our judgement.

“We have to respect them and our main concern is to prepare ourselves very well instead of bothering ourselves with the so-called lower class Iran and Bosnia belong. We should not forget that both teams qualified from their zones the same way Nigeria qualified in our zone.

“Our main interest is to see how we can encourage our players and ensure they prepare very well mentally and psychologically for the games. We must know that the World Cup is a different stage. As far as I’m concerned, I’m not entertaining any form of fear. I just enjoin Nigerians to pray and wish the Eagles the best.”

He dispelled the fears from many quarters that the lack of club action by the duo of John Mikel Obi and Victor Moses would affect their form when the Super Eagles resume campaign at the Brazil 2014 FIFA World Cup.

The Golden Eaglets chief coach who expressed the confidence in a chat with the media at the Glass House in Abuja, maintained that irrespective of their inactions at their European clubsides, the Super Eagles team still needs their experiences, even as he hoped that they would live up to expectations.

Speaking specifically about the possibility of bench role affecting Mikel and Moses during the world football fiesta, Amunike said: “I don’t actually see it affect the team because those players are very matured.”

There experience will be needed with or without regular action at their clubsides. I want to think that both of them could live up to the expectations of the soccer-loving Nigerians.”