A German football enthusiast, Simon Gerharz, has said the Super Eagles are not good enough to qualify from the group stage in the 2018 FIFA World Cup holding in Russia.
Gerharz, who made this known in a chat with PM Express, predicted that he saw the Nigerian team coming third in their group. He said Croatia and Argentina have what it takes to make the second round in the group.
The football enthusiast noted that the Super Eagles of the ’90s remains his all-time African best team in the history of the World Cup.
He said,
“The present squad of the Super Eagles appear weak, not in the class of the ’90s and may not qualify from the group stage.”
Gerharz insisted that Croatia are more formidable to clinch the second spot, while Nigeria may console herself with coming third and gets eliminated in the first round.
Gerharz said,
“Your team ( shaking his head ), this present team are not all that very strong. The Nigeria team of the ’90s were very strong with very good players. Sunday Oliseh, Jay Okocha, Amoakachi, Kanu and other players were very good. They remain my all-time African best team in the World Cup.”
He admitted that his native Germany, the defending champions, may not retain the World Cup as he named Brazil, Spain and France as teams that have great qualities to win this year’s tournament.
Gerharz acknowledged that Brazil is very good, noting that the team can win the tournament. He said Spain and France are the other teams that can also win the trophy.
He said,
“Germany is having goalkeeping problems in the team . Manuel Nuewa just came back from injury and Tiegan of Barcelona also gives problem.”
