2014 W/Cup: Saintfiet Tips S’Eagles For Semi Finals

Former Malawi coach Tom Saintfiet backs Nigeria to reach the semi-finals of the 2014 World Cup in Brazil and adds that the Super Eagles could become the most successful African team at the world cup next year.

“I really do believe that Nigeria can be the first African team to reach the semi-finals of a World Cup final as Ghana couldn’t make it to that stage at the last edition in South Africa 2010.

“I believe in Nigeria’s ability,” he told Tidesports source.

Nigeria find themselves in Group F along with Argentina, debutants, Iran and Bosnia & Herzegovina after last week’s draw in Costa de Sauipe, Bahia.

The Super Eagles open their World Cup campaign against Iran on June 19 in Curitiba followed by the June 21 game against Bosnia-Herzegovina before facing South American giants Argentina in their final group match on June 25 in Porto Alegre.

Meanwhile, Gbenga Elegbeleye has warned Nigeria’s Super Eagles to be wary of their other Group F opponents – Bosnia-Herzegovina and Iran – who many consider as underdogs.

The Director-General of National Sports Commission (NSC) while expressing his satisfaction with the draw, warned the Super Eagles to underrate any of their opponents.

“The fact is that we have to be careful of those so called smaller countries because they fought hard to qualify for the World Cup,” Elegbeye warned.

“So, Stephen Keshi and the NFF officials must be very careful and prepare well.”

He however believes that Nigeria have a strong chance of qualifying from Group F, in the sense that the fixtures favourably ensures that the African Champions will play against the supposedly weaker nations, before facing Argentina in the final group game on June 25, 2014.

Joseph Yobo (2) and Odemwingie (11) celebrating in Nigeria’s colours