World Cup: Nigeria Will Qualify For Second Round Despite Criticism – Keshi

Super Eagles Coach Stephen Keshi said that despite Nigeria’s goalless draw with Iran on Monday, his team would still qualify for the second round of the on-going FIFA World Cup. Eagles were just unlucky not to win the game, Keshi said, adding that the criticism of his team was misplaced.

"Nigerians are never satisfied. Whatever you do they will criticise you, but I am used to that. I will not allow that to distract me. Rather, we will go back to plan against Bosnia."

The coach said that the team wanted to wrap up the match in the first 20 minutes but they became too anxious when the goal did not come. He also admitted that the players deviated from the initial plan for the game:

"We spoke and agreed on what to do before the game, but things turned out differently. ... If it were possible, I would have entered the pitch to show them what I wanted from them. It is frustrating."