How Nigeria can qualify for world cup-Ranger's Coach reveals
How Nigeria can qualify for World Cup- Rangers Coach
ON June 26, 2016 4:40 PM / IN
News , Sports / Comments
The Technical Adviser, Rangers International FC of Enugu, Imama Amapakabo has said that only adequate preparation can make Nigeria to qualify for the 2018 World Cup in Russia from Group B.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Group B of the Africa Zone of the qualifiers pitted Nigeria against Algeria, Cameroon and Zambia.
Soccer pundits have described the group as tough as Cameroon’s Indomitable Lions have been to the World Cup seven times, Nigeria’s Super Eagles five times and Algeria Fennecs four.
Amapakabo told NAN on Sunday in Enugu that in spite of the group having the best in African football; Nigeria could beat their opponents with adequate preparation.
He said that there was the need for consistency by the national team with the coaches given long term contracts to study and perfect the players to their pattern of play.
``The national team is like other premier league clubs because it’s made up of people of the different geographical areas of the country and they need blending.
``We need to start preparation on time to ensure that the players get used to the coaches’ tactics and also for them to understand themselves in the field of play.
``Nigerians are clamouring for a formidable national team but it cannot be built if not through friendly matches and consistency,’’ he said.
He added that the country had good players who could stand out in time of difficulties but noted that ``a tree cannot make a forest’’.
``A country like Algeria that is currently occupying the first position in African football ranking started somewhere with patience.
``Our problem is that we mask patience while trying to build our football team and that causes a lot of problems that even the foreigners cannot build our national team over night.
``There is a point to note here, African football is different from English football and it will only take home grown coaches who have knowledge of African football to get it right.
``Let’s not forget that we employed the service of Lars Largaback for the 2010 World Cup but we could not even surpass the group stage.
``We have to start planning for the matches now and I know that every coach will like to write his name in gold,’’ Amapakabo said.
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