By Olamilekan FAWAS
Soccer fans in Gombe on Thursday appealed to Gernot Rohr’s Super Eagles to win their second Group D match against Iceland in the ongoing World Cup in Russia to avoid early exit.
The fans made the appeal in Gombe.
TBI Africa reports that the Nigerian team will play the Strákarnir Okkar (Our Boys) of Iceland on June 22, at the Volgograd Arena, at 4. p.m. local time.
The Super Eagles had lost their opening game to Croatia 2-0. Mr Garba Sabo, said the Eagles were aware of the high hopes that Nigerians have in Gernot Rohr, adding that anything short of a win would not be accepted.
“Eagles are aware that Nigerians believe in the ability of the coach to take Nigeria to round of 16 and I don’t think they will disappoint. Anything short of victory will not be accepted.
“We have done our part as fans supporting them with prayers and the Federal Government has done enough because we didn’t hear of any complaints. We are begging them to win tomorrow (Friday),’’ he said.
Otalu Patience, a student of Diocesan High School, Gombe, said: “Today, I prayed for the success of the Super Eagles in Russia, especially in their next match against Iceland.’’
According to her, a defeat will mean the exit of the team from the world football fiesta. “I beg everyone in the team to make us happy like the Senegalese did to their fans,’’ she pleaded.
Mr Halilu Teli, Chairman, Sports Writers’ Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Gombe chapter, said that he had confidence in the team, adding that the Super Eagles would win.
“I have confidence in the team. The Eagles will win their match tomorrow. The defeat against Croatia is a wake-up call. I believe they will make amendments to win the match.
“We have hope; our defeat to Croatia doesn’t mean we can’t beat the team from Iceland,’’ he said.
The Chairman, however appealed to Rohr to play Ahmed Musa in the first half, Mikel as a defensive midfielder, while Etebo should play central role in the midfield to supply the strikers.
