Don’t expect too much from Eagles - Onigbinde

30.05.2008

OnigbindeFIFA/CAF instructor,Chief Adegboye Onigbinde, has warned soccer loving Nigerians not to expect too much from the new look Super Eagles, just as he applauded the 1-1 draw achieved by team against Austria on Tuesday.

The former Super Eagles handler warned that Nigerians should not expect too much from the team now, since the players had played under different techniques and coaches which may be different from the present technical crew led by Shaibu Amodu.

“It will be by magic to expect the best at this first match. One can say that some of the boys have been playing together for some time but under different instructions. So it will take some time for the team to blend fully. But that result was not a bad start,” Onigbinde said.

He noted that the players regrouped for the first time after their quarter-final ouster at the Nations Cup in Ghana, and was quick to note that, although the team lacked cohesion during the game, the players and coaches will soon gel together.

“It was a good game and a good result. Of course, we saw some lapses in the team, and maybe the cohesion was not there. “Whatever, the case, we have to give them time to get used to the new coach and see how things will go from there,” Onigbinde declared.

He called the bluff of the players that refused to honour the friendly tie, saying that no player however big or small in fame could hold the nation to ransom since the country is blessed with numerous talents.

“I don’t think there is need for us to begin to drum the basics of patriotism into anybody. They are matured players who should know what is good for them and their career,” he stressed. The former Shooting Stars boss also believes that the NFA is capable of handling this kind of situation. “I think the NFA will take care of all that,” he said.

On Eagles next match against Bafana Bafana, Onigbinde said, “This match in Abuja will be very different. It’s not a friendly, and a lot is at stake. All this will tell you that Sunday’s match will not be an easy ride for the Eagles.”

“I just hope our players know the importance of what is ahead of them. I just hope the players know the importance of the task ahead,” he said.