NFF Crisis: Aggrieved Faction Drag Pinnick-led Board To Supreme Court

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NFF Crisis: Aggrieved Faction Drag Pinnick-led Board To Supreme Court

The Supreme Court is set to deliver its judgement on the leadership crisis that has engulfed the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) on Thursday.

Chris Giwa and his board had dragged the FIFA-recognised Amaju Pinnick-led board to the Supreme Court, to set aside the verdict of the Appeal Court after they had won at the High Court, claiming that the mandate given to them by the congress of the NFF in August 2013 was sacrosanct.

They also insist that the election in Warri that brought in the Amaju group was held in defiance of a High Court order.

But the defendants have held on to FIFA statutes to argue their case, telling the Supreme Court in their submission that football matters must not be adjudicated in the ordinary court.

They also insisted the plaintiffs had been banned by the world football governing body.

The Supreme Court will decide on Thursday, whether to uphold the verdict of Justice Joseph Tur of the Appeal Court in his judgment in 2016 when he held that the discontinuation of the cases on October 30, 2014, which was affirmed by the court, stands.

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2018 FIFA World Cup: Super Eagles To Pocket $24m

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2018 FIFA World Cup: Super Eagles To Pocket $24m

President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Amaju Pinnick has said that the Super Eagles players stand the chance of pocketing $24 million if they play in the final of the 2018 World Cup.

Pinnick told newsmen in Abuja on Wednesday during a parley that the money was part of the agreement reached with the players to share 50-50 whatever would accrue to the country if they get to the final and lift the trophy.

“I don’t put players under pressure. Pressure can be put on them unconsciously because we are creating enabling environment for them.

“If for example we don’t have money to prepare them, they can now relax but now, we have given them everything upfront and they should deliver.

“If today they get to the final, the World Cup money will be shared 50-50 between the team and the NFF.

“Winning the final is 48 million dollars, it means the team will get 24 million dollars and the football house will take the remaining 24 million dollars,” Pinnick said.

He also said that the adequate preparation, including grade A friendly matches have been secured with England and Czech Republic to ensure the team do well at the World Cup.

The NFF boss further said that glass house had already secured 2.8 million dollars to pay the players allowances and bonuses during the mundial.

“We are ready to play against England on June 2 in London in an international friendly. We had a conclusive meeting with the England FA.

“After the England match, we will play Czech Republic and from there we move to Russia. As it is everything is going on very well.

“For the world cup, I don’t think we have any problem, I am in touch with the technical committee. It is the desire of every Nigerian to see the Super Eagles do well at the World Cup.

“We had a meeting with the team, we signed a contract with them and ready to pay them 20 per cent of eight million dollars which is what is accrued to us for the World Cup.

“At the end of the day it amounts to 2.8million dollars which will go to the players. The money is almost 100 per cent ready,” Pinnick added.

Pinnick also explained that the football house met with some state governors who were ready to assist the NFF financially to achieve the country’s World Cup dream.

He commended President Muhammadu Buhari for his support for the NFF and the Super Eagles, and assured that they would not let him down in Russia.

2018 World Cup will run from June 14 to July 15 in Russia. 

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2018 World Cup: Super Eagle Will Need Obafemi Martins' Experience - Yobo

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2018 World Cup: Super Eagle Will Need Obafemi Martins' Experience - Yobo

 

Ex-Super Eagles captain, Joseph Yobo has urged coach, Gernot Rohr to consider Shanghai Shenhua striker, Obafemi Martins for a return to the national team before the commencement of the 2018 World Cup in June.

Yobo believes Martins’s experience will be useful for the team during the tournament in Russia.

“I am not imposing players on Rohr, but I think the likes of Obafemi Martins and Austin Ejide can help strengthen the defective areas,” Yobo told Vanguard.

“They are experienced players and they know the in and out of Nigeria football”, he said.

Meanwhile, Obafemi scored three goals in a match which helped his team beat Hebei 4-2 in the Chinese Super League at the weekend.

The former Newcastle United and Inter Milan star has earned 42 caps for Nigeria.

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2018 World Cup: Obuh Warns Rohr On Super Eagles' Squad, Says Stop Experimenting

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2018 World Cup: Obuh Warns Rohr On Super Eagles' Squad, Says Stop Experimenting

 

Former Nigeria U-17 team coach, John Obuh has told Super Eagles manager, Gernot Rohr, to stop experimenting with his team ahead of the 2018 World Cup.

With less than 80 days left before the tournament, Obuh feels Rohr should be concentrating on the players he will take to Russia.

Reacting to Nigeria’s 2-0 defeat by Serbia in an international friendly on Tuesday in London, Obuh claimed the Eagles played badly because the coaches did not use the main players.

“I think it is too early to start passing negative comments on the Eagles now. My position is that Rohr should stop spending time testing players.

“He should learn from other big teams like Germany, Spain who are already working with their main team to produce better-organised squads before the World Cup.

“In the game against Serbia, the Eagles were outplayed because the coach was still testing. The tactically disciplined Eagles we saw in the World Cup qualifiers were different from the ones that played the friendly.

“Rohr would have used the main team in the first half and injected one or two new players in the second half to blend with the team,” he said.

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Portugal Coach, Santos Explains Why Ronaldo Led Team Fall 3-0 To Netherlands

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Portugal Coach, Santos Explains Why Ronaldo Led Team Fall 3-0 To Netherlands

 

Portugal manager, Fernando Santos has explained why his side fell 3-0 to Netherlands in a friendly match on Monday.

The coach said Monday’s 3-0 loss was his responsibility.

Portugal, currently the European champions, were beaten by Netherlands, who delivered Ronald Koeman’s first win since he took over in February.

Netherlands were too good for Portugal, who had Joao Cancelo sent off in the second half.

Memphis Depay, Ryan Babel and Virgil van Dijk were the scorers in the game.

Santos told reporters, “I could have done better, but the responsibility for defeat is mine.

“It was I who chose the players, had observed the opponent, set up the strategy so that we had possession of the ball and I think in the initial 10 minutes we had the ball and circulated well.

“We conceded a goal and from there things got more complicated.

“They explored the side aisles well and had many difficulties in the first half.

“The overall behaviour was not adequate and we could not go on a counter-attack. We talked to the players at half-time and in the second half we were a different team in every respect.

“We did not allow spaces to the opponent, except near the end.

“With 10 players on the pitch, we had a bit more difficulties, but we kept trying to reach the goal and we had three or four chances. We deserved a goal or two.”

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Isco Nets Hat-Trick In Spain 6-1 Win Against Argentina

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Isco Nets Hat-Trick In Spain 6-1 Win Against Argentina 

 

Real Madrid’s Isco scored a hat-trick as Spain hammered Argentina 6-1 in an international friendly on Tuesday.

Spain extended their unbeaten run under coach Julen Lopetegui to 18 matches in sensational fashion in Madrid.

Atletico Madrid striker, Diego Costa bravely forced home Spain’s opening goal in the 12th minute and Isco doubled the lead before Nicolas Otamendi halved the deficit prior to half-time.

Lionel Messi did not participate in the game despite coach Jorge Sampaoli insisting on Monday that his star striker was fit.

Isco bagged his second on 52 minutes and Thiago Alcantara swiftly added another for the hosts before substitute Iago Aspas struck after latching onto a long down-field pass from David de Gea.

The mauling was complete when Isco sealed his treble on 74 minutes.

Spain coach, Lopetegui said after the game, “We’re very happy to beat the finalists from the last World Cup, a team with a fantastic history.

“But that doesn’t change anything for this World Cup, we will have to start with zero points (in the group stage).”

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Friendlies: Serbia's Mitrovic Scores Brace To End Super Eagles' Winning Streak

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Friendlies: Serbia's Mitrovic Scores Brace To End Super Eagles' Winning Streak

 

Aleksandar Mitrovic scored twice as Serbia defeated Nigeria 2-0 in an international friendly played in London on Tuesday night.

It was the Super Eagles’ second friendly in four days, following their 1-0 victory over Poland last Friday.

The first half ended goalless.

Serbia should have gone into the break 1-0 up, but Mitrovic’s finish, which clearly crossed the line, was not awarded by the linesman.

Francis Uzoho then produced a fine save as the half came to a close.

Nigeria’s best chance came from Victor Moses, whose shot was parried away by Vladimir Stojkovic.

Mitrovic was not to be denied again in the second half, as he swept home a cross in the 68th minute to give Serbia the lead.

The striker, who is currently on loan at Fulham from Newcastle, produced a similar finish with 10 minutes left, to make it 2-0.

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Iceland, Super Eagles Opponent Boycotts Russia World Cup

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Iceland, Super Eagles Opponent Boycotts Russia World Cup

 

Iceland on Monday announced it would stage a diplomatic boycott of the 2018 World Cup in Russia over the poisoning of a former double agent in Britain.

“Icelandic officials will not go to the FIFA World Cup in Russia this summer,” a statement from the foreign ministry read.

The EU member states have said it was highly likely Russia was responsible for the poisoning of Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia on March 4.

They also ordered the recall of the bloc’s ambassador to Moscow.

Iceland are in Group D alongside Nigeria, Argentina and Croatia.

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Friendlies: Tadic Names Super Eagle's Player That Will Wreak Havoc In Nigeria Vs Serbia match

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Friendlies: Tadic Names Super Eagle's Player That Will Wreak Havoc In Nigeria Vs Serbia match

‎Serbia and Southampton midfielder, Dušan Tadić has revealed that the international friendly match against Nigeria will be a tough challenge.

Tadić, however, fears that the likes of Chelsea’s Victor Moses and Leicester City duo, Kelechi Iheanacho and Wilfred Ndidi would wreak havoc when both nations clash on Tuesday in North London.

Serbia lost 2-1 to Morocco in Turin last Friday and Tadic has emphasized that they will face a more physical and better opponent tomorrow.

”Morocco and Nigeria are good teams, they qualified for the World Cup due to their quality,” Tadic told the official website of the Serbian Federation.

”Nigeria has a lot of good players, we expect a very big game, physically very demanding. So, we must prepare well and make everything look better than against Morocco.

”Several players of Nigeria also appear in the Premier League.

”They have players in Leicester, Chelsea. They are physically dominant, fast, strong and will be a good opponent. It is for us to achieve a positive result,” he added.

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Friendlies: Echieijile, Igalo Send Strong Message To Nigerian Fans Ahead Of Friendly Match Against Serbia

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Friendlies: Echieijile, Igalo Send Strong Message To Nigerian Fans Ahead Of Friendly Match Against Serbia

‎Super Eagles stars, Odion Ighalo and Elderson Echieijile have sent strong message to Nigerian fans ahead of the international friendly match with Serbia on Tuesday night.

The duo called on Nigerian fans to keep supporting the team.

”We appreciate Nigerians; their support has been immense, but we need more prayers, and their unending support,” Ighalo told Brila FM.

”The fans’ support have been really great for the team,” he added.

Echiejile also appreciated the fans for their support so far, urging for more.

”Nigerians have been really fantastic with their support, and we are hoping to get more from them,” Echiejile stated.

He added, ”Currently, we are happy things are positive, and we are working hard for things to be better in each game.

”And whenever I get called upon, I am always ready to give my best, even though we are playing a friendly game, its a time to test the players, and whenever called upon, I always give my best.”

The Super Eagles will face Serbia in North London tomorrow after beating Poland on home soil on Friday.

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Friendlies: Super Eagle Head Coach, Gernot Rohr Speaks On Nigeria Vs Serbia Match

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Friendlies: Super Eagle Head Coach, Gernot Rohr Speaks On Nigeria Vs Serbia Match

‎Head coach of the Super Eagles, Gernot Rohr has said that the injuries ravaging his squad is an opportunity for other players to take their chance.

Leicester City forward, Kelechi Iheanacho and Bursaspor defender Shehu Abdullahi will miss Tuesday night’s friendly between Nigeria and Serbia due to injuries.

Iheanacho fractured his right hand, while Abdullahi has a hamstring complaint.

The former Manchester City forward trained away from the main group along with Okechukwu Gabriel, Stephen Eze and Oghenekaro Etebo, who also did not take part in the main session.

“He (Iheanacho is out) but that is an opportunity for other players to come in and prove what they can do,” Rohr said during his pre-match conference on Monday.

The German also stated that he is pleased with the two goalkeepers in the team, but rued Daniel Akpeyi’s absence.

He said: “One of our goalkeepers (Akpeyi) had a problem with entry visa but so far I’m pleased with the two we have here. Ezenwa and Uzoho.

“At the moment, I’m satisfied with the young one (Uzoho). Before he arrived, we were a young team and he’s here now and it’s good for the future.

“Other players in the team are helping him to do well in terms of positioning during corners.”

On the game, Rohr added: “The result is not the most important thing for us. It’s what we can see, learn and what the players can do. The players need competition and I think they are getting it.”

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Friendlies: De Gea Speaks On Facing Messi In Spain, Argentina Match

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Friendlies: De Gea Speaks On Facing Messi In Spain, Argentina Match

‎Spain goalkeeper, David De Gea, says he is eager to face Lionel Messi in Tuesday’s friendly against Argentina.

Messi missed his team’s 2-0 win over Italy on Friday with a sore right adductor muscle, but trained on Sunday and Monday in Madrid.

The Barcelona superstar is set to feature against Spain at the Wanda Metropolitano stadium.

“We want to face the best players and Messi is one of them.

“As a goalkeeper, it’s a challenge to face Messi.

“We are going through a good spell. We have to maintain this line and hope to arrive in the best form possible at the World Cup.

“We have a wonderful group, we get on well together and that is also transmitted on the pitch. We have ambition, enthusiasm and a great group,” De Gea said in Monday’s news conference.

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Super Eagles 1-0 Win Over Poland Will Boost Their Confidence In Match Against Serbia - Pinnick

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Super Eagles 1-0 Win Over Poland Will Boost Their Confidence In Match Against Serbia - Pinnick

President of Nigeria Football Federation, Amaju Pinnick, has said that the Super Eagles’ 1-0 win over Poland in a friendly on Friday, will boost confidence ahead of Tuesday’s game against Serbia.

Chelsea wingback, Victor Moses, scored the winner as Gernot Rohr’s men defeated their hosts at the Municipal Stadium in Wraclow.

The team arrived in London on Saturday evening via a chartered plane, ahead of the Serbia game.

Speaking via Super Eagles Media Officer, Toyin Ibitoye, Pinnick said he believes that the senior national team will keep improving with the result against Poland.

“Every member of the team is happy with the result, even the NFF President, who told the players after the match that he believes the result will boost their confidence against Serbia in their next international friendly match.

“He is also happy that the preparations towards the World Cup have commenced fully and he has also advised the players to show enough commitment to Nigeria’s participation in the World Cup,” he said.

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2018 World Cup Friendlies: Mikel Obi, Etebo, Ebuehi To Start In Nigeria Vs Serbia Match

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2018 World Cup Friendlies: Mikel Obi, Etebo, Ebuehi To Start In Nigeria Vs Serbia Match

Head coach of the Super Eagles, Gernot Rohr will have captain John Obi Mikel back for Tuesday’s friendly game against Serbia in London.

The Tianjin TEDA midfielder did not play against Poland on Friday, as he was unable to sort out logistic issues.

Rohr has however ruled out Bursaspor fullback, Shehu Abdullahi, after he limped out of the Poland match.

Abdullahi was substituted with what looked like a hamstring injury, with Tyronne Ebuehi coming in his place. He is expected to undergo a scan while in the UK with the rest of the squad.

“We have some injured players ahead of the game against Serbia, but we are hopeful the injury isn’t a serious one.

“Abdullahi will have a scan in England to determine if he can play but like you saw today Ebuehi can play if he is not fit,” Rohr said.

The coach also said he is hopeful that Las Palmas midfielder, Oghenekaro Etebo, will be available for the game.

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World Cup 2018 Friendlies: Lewandowski Speaks On Poland, Nigerian Match

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World Cup 2018 Friendlies: Lewandowski Speaks On Poland, Nigerian Match

Poland captain, Robert Lewandowski, has said that they will be playing Nigeria and South Korea, to get first-hand knowledge of teams they will be facing in the group stage of the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.

The Poles have been grouped with Senegal, Japan and Colombia.

“The selection of opponents was influenced by the teams we have in our group,” the former Borussia Dortmund star told the Poland Football Federation official website on Tuesday.

“Each game, however, will be different because the teams in our group have different styles.

“For us, learning these different styles will be the first lesson of what we can expect at the World Cup.

“The friendly matches itself is the first stage of preparations for the World Cup. It is a moment to check new set-up options and show quality in a non-competitive game.

“In this respect, too, it is an important element, and we want to show that we can play football, and the new players will have to show that they can fit in and give us good balance.”

Lewandowski also emphasized on the importance on getting results during test games ahead of the finals.

“There may be weaker matches, but if we want to present ourselves as well as possible, we must prove quality even in training.

“We know that it may look different. If the result is not perfect, it does not mean that it will be bad, because maybe the game will look good, there will be optimistic conclusions. It may not be a test, but showing that we also have quality to do well,” the Bayern Munich striker added.

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2018 World Cup: Super Eagles Will Win The Cup, NFF Boss, Pinnick Insists

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2018 World Cup: Super Eagles Will Win The Cup, NFF Boss, Pinnick Insists

President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Amaju Pinnick, has reiterated his belief that the Super Eagles can win this year’s World Cup in Russia.

Nigeria is drawn in Group D alongside Argentina, Croatia, and Iceland.

Pinnick, who spoke at an event said that with hard work, prayers and support, the team can win the top prize

“Again, people say why do I say that Nigeria can win the World Cup. If you have a child, what do you wish for the child- for him to be the best and nothing else. And if you have a younger brother, what do you pray for him to achieve? To be better than you. So, I don’t have any regret saying that Nigeria can win the World Cup.

“From the hills of the northern part of Nigeria, to the thick forest in the South, to the aquatic splendour of western Nigeria and Lagos in particular, everybody says one thing in unison, which I want to borrow from the former United States President, Barack Obama, and that is, ‘Yes we can’ do it, and I believe we can do it going to the World Cup,” he said.

He assured that everything that the Eagles need to ensure that they do well at the tournament, has already been put in place.

“We have prepared our grounds, our players are very well motivated, the technical crew is very much excited, and the various committees have all been directed and mandated to sit up in making sure that our preparation is top-notch. We have given out our best, and we have done everything and we pray humanly that everything will work well for us.

“Exactly a week from today (Friday), we will be playing against Poland, five days thereafter we will play Serbia. Coming back to Nigeria, we will play against the Democratic Republic of Congo.

“Also on June 2, we will play against England and on June 6, we will be facing the Czechs and thereafter the team will move on to their venue in Russia, where it will begin the World Cup campaign,” he said.

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2018 World Cup: Neynar Will Be Sidelined - Psychic Predicts

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2018 World Cup: Neynar Will Be Sidelined - Psychic Predicts

 

Carlinhos Vidente, a psychic who has his own TV show in South America, has predicted that Neymar Jnr. will miss this year’s World Cup in Russia.

Vidente had warned in December, that Neymar would be sidelined for between five and seven months by a fitness issue.

The 26-year-old forward then suffered a broken metatarsal last month and is currently recovering in his native country, Brazil, making some fans to believe that the pyschic’s prophecy will come true.

“Neymar will not be able to participate at the World Cup due to injury.

“He will be laid low for between five and seven months, but Brazil will still finish third or fourth in the tournament,” Vidente said.

Vidente had announced that Brazil would be beaten in the semi-finals of the 2014 World Cup by Germany, before their astonishing 7-1 defeat.

And he has predicted that the Germans will successfully defend their title in Russia this summer.

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FIFA Ranking: Nigeria Super Eagles Retains Position Despite Securing World Cup Ticket

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FIFA Ranking: Nigeria Super Eagles Retains Position Despite Securing World Cup Ticket

 

The Super Eagles of Nigeria have retained the 52nd position in the latest FIFA ranking released on Thursday.

Nigeria is also seventh in Africa in the March FIFA/Coca Cola World rankings.

Nigeria had 609 points, two points below Cameroon that is 51st in the world.

The top five remains, with Germany still on top, while Poland that will be up against the Super Eagles in a friendly are the only movers in the top 20, having climbed into joint-sixth position alongside Spain.

Tunisia remains the top African country on 23rd position, followed by Senegal on 27th and DR Congo on 39th.

The Super Eagles World Cup Group D foes, Argentina is on 4th place, Croatia on 15th and Iceland on 18th.

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Kelechi Iheanacho Needs More Playing Time In Leicester City - Rohr

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Kelechi Iheanacho Needs More Playing Time In Leicester City - Rohr

Head coach of the Super Eagles, Gernot Rohr, has said Kelechi Iheanacho needs more game time at Leicester City.

Iheanacho has endured a frustrating spell at the King Power Stadium, ever since he moved there from Manchester City.

The Nigerian forward has scored six goals from just eight starts, making 13 substitute appearances in all competitions.

Rohr has said that he was impressed with the forward’s contribution off the bench against West Bromwich Albion at the weekend, but is keen for Claude Puel to place more faith in the 21-year-old.

“Kelechi is doing very well. I’m in touch with his coach – Claude Puel – he’s a friend of mine.

“Let him now play a little bit more and I hope he does because it is not enough playing 20 minutes, even if he scores. He has to play more and I hope now he will have the opportunity to play other games and to be fit for our two friendlies,” the German told Goal.

Nigeria face Poland and Serbia before the end of March as the former African champions continue their preparations for the World Cup.

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2018 World Cup: Rohr Reveals His New Tactics Ahead Poland, Serbia Friendlies

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2018 World Cup: Rohr Reveals His New Tactics Ahead Poland, Serbia Friendlies

Super Eagles coach, Gernot Rohr has revealed that he will use the two international friendlies against Poland and Serbia to try out new formations with his team.

Nigeria will face Croatia, Iceland and Argentina in the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

Gernot Rohr’s men will face Poland on March 23 and four days later, they tackle Serbia in London in international friendly match ahead of the World Cup in June.

“I hope to try different systems (in these matches), so we can change when necessary,” Rohr told reporters.

“We have played 4-3-3, 5-3-2 already. We also hope to improve team harmony after did well in last two games, while playing offensive football,” he said.

The Franco-German coach also said he will give fresh call-ups Joel Obi (Torino), Junior Ajayi (Al Ahly) and Gabriel Okechukwu (Akwa United) a chance to stake a claim for places on the World Cup-bound squad.

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