Nigeria’s Duo Calls For Commitment

Two of Nigeria’s most senior players have called for a change in attitude ahead of the 2010 World Cup.

Captain Joseph Yobo and striker Osaze Odemwingie say the team need a different mentality if they are to prosper in South Africa.

The Super Eagles scraped through qualification for 2010 at the last available opportunity.

“Nigerians were not happy with the performance of the team and rightly so,” Yobo told Tidesports’ source Sunday.

“We (the players) have to now change our attitude and mentality so it wont be a disastrous World Cup for this generation.”

Nigeria have been grouped alongside Argentina, Greece and South Korea in Group B in South Africa.

The team have been criticised back home for an apparent lack of commitment and fighting spirit.

“Nigerians want to see a change in approach, see a change in commitment,” Yobo said.

“We need to hit the ground running first by preparing adequately for Argentina, Greece and South Korea.”

Meanwhile, Odemwingie says the team can win the Africa Cup of Nations in Angola next month.

“A brilliant outing at the World Cup will depend largely on what happens between now and then,” he said.

“Angola provides us with a platform to fix the problems affecting us and that should help mould us into a team that will be able to represent Nigeria effectively.

“If we are able to put all these things together, I think we can win the Nations Cup then of course Nigerians will be happy,” he said.