‘We need a miracle to qualify for Russia 2018’

Ex-internationals have been reacting to the for the FIFA World Cup Russia 2018 African qualifiers, which pitches Nigeria with Cameroon, Algeria and Zambia in the “group of death”.

Most of those who spoke with TheCable think it will be very tough for Nigeria to qualify without some conditions being in place.

These are the opinions of former Super Eagles who are veteran of World Cup qualifiers.

Emmanuel Amuneke: We have the chance like every country in our group. We’ve seen the group we are. So, we have to prepare well. We must be truthful and realistic, if we really want to go to Russia, it will only take hard work, commitment and dedication to achieve our objective.

Etim Esin: We can come out of that group if we can prepare well. But the Nigeria we know, we don’t have sense of preparedness for anything. We have the talents and with preparation, we can go to the World Cup but it’s going to be a very tough one for Nigeria.

Ike Shorounmu: Wow! It’s the group of death. But with the kind of players each country in our group do have, I am going to say it is a 50-50 chance for us. It is an open group. But we need to prepare well if we really want to be in Russia.

Jonathan Akpoborie: It is not a tough group but a group of death. But how did we get to that point to get into such group for the World Cup qualification. We need confidence. The kind that will help us to top this group and get to Russia. We need top notch preparation if truly we mean business. It will take a miracle to qualify from that group.

Vincent Enyeama: Yes, everything is possible and we have the players to do it. But it will not be easy. Especially, with Algeria in the group. We have a lot of players that did well last season in their club sides. Hopefully, they will do better this season. But NFF has a big part to play. Organisation must be top priority.