Super Eagles defender Elderson Echiejile believes the team must beat Croatia in their opening Group D match at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia to stand a good chance of qualifying for the next round.
Echiejile who is expected to make Nigeria’s World Cup squad barring any last minute setback is convinced the Eagles can match the talented Croatians.
“The friendlies last month were a good test for the team. Now we know what to build on and where to work harder to improve on,” Echiejile, who helped Cercle Brugge gain promotion to the top flight division in Belgium, told CSN.
“We face Croatia in our first game in Russia and we must beat them to be in a good position to reach the next round.
“They have a great team and their strength is in their midfield but we can match their talented side.”
Nigeria are drawn alongside Iceland, Croatia and Argentina in Group D for the World Cup