Eagles under pressure, admits Odemwingie

Super Eagles forward, Osaze Odemwingie, says there is a weight of expectation on the team to shine at the World Cup. However, he believes the team will respond positively.

Stephen Keshi’s team arrive in Brazil as champions of Africa after triumphing at last year’s African Cup of Nations; and the last time this scenario played out — precisely 20 years ago — the team had a good outing for a debutant at USA’94 World Cup.

Although Ras Kimono’s debut album Under Pressure, released in 1988, might be in Odemwingie’s playing list, the Stoke City player knows the feeling as the World Cup approaches.

“Winning the African Cup has put us under pressure,” he told Daily Star.

“Expectations are high, but that will make us step our games up because it is another level from the African Cup to the World Cup. We need to step our game up one level higher as individuals and as a team, and that’s what we are going to do.”

Chelsea midfielder, John Obi Mikel, though, thinks Nigeria should relish the added pressure that comes with their status.

“We are representing the whole of Africa, the whole continent in the tournament,” he said.

“But it is going to be tough out there. We know that. It’s the highest level. We want to go all the way. We want to get to the final. With the team spirit we have and the calibre of players that we have, we think we have a good chance.

“We will go into every game wanting to win — it does not matter who we are playing: Iran, Bosnia, Argentina in the groups — whoever. Let’s just see what we can do — come out of the group stages and see what happens.”