Osun United Football Club coach, Duke Udi, has predicted a 1-0 win for the Super Eagles against the Croatian team in the opening match on Saturday at the World Cup in Russia.
Udi admitted that the match would be a difficult one for the three times African champions because Croatia have a very good midfield which he said could give any team a serious problem.
The Osun United gaffer, however, said Croatian defence was full of aged players, which he said could be overwhelmed by the youthful Nigerian attackers.
Speaking on a sports’ programme on the Osun State Broadcasting Corporation in Osogbo on Thursday, the former Sunshine FC of Akure coach said that a draw against the Croats would not be a bad result.
Udi stressed that the Super Eagles must avoid a defeat in their opening game in order not to put themselves under additional pressure in the group that has Argentina and Iceland.
He said, “Croatia have fantastic players playing in top clubs in Europe in their midfield but they have aged players in their defence. The Super Eagles have young attackers, in fact we have the youngest team at this World Cup.
“Although the Croatians have experience, the youthfulness of the Eagles can be an advantage in the game. I will give the game to the Super Eagles by 1-0. A draw won’t be a bad result but we must not lose our first match.”
The former Shooting Stars player said Iceland appeared to be the softest team in the group but said there were no minnows in football any longer. He advised the Super Eagles to play as a team while predicting that the team would qualify from the group if they could win their first game.
