Former Chelsea striker Didier Drogba has cautioned that Nigeria should keep to their style of play if they are to go far at the 2018 World Cup.
Nigeria kept her hopes of reaching the round of 16 after beating Iceland 2-0 in their second Group D game on Friday. They face Argentina on Tuesday in their last group game and cannot afford to lose if they want to qualify from the group.
The former Ivory Coast captain, who is a columnist for the World Cup with BBC Sport, said on Saturday that Super Eagles must keep to their aggressive and fast style of playing if they want to go far at the championship.
Drogba said, “It has been a disappointing start to the World Cup for Africa – until Nigeria beat Iceland on Friday. There had been six defeats in seven games for the five African countries in Russia. So it was great to see the Super Eagles win, but the way they did it was just as important and impressive.
“In the second half, Nigeria came to life and played the way I want to see all the African teams play – going on the attack, using their pace and power, and having lots of shots. That is what I did not see in their first game against Croatia when Nigeria were playing within themselves – keeping a good shape, playing safe, and passing the ball from side to side.
“This time, they went out just to win. They played with two strikers and they were so fast and aggressive going forward that they frightened Iceland. They were spontaneous and exciting, which is the way I expected them to play at this World Cup – and that is why they won the game.
“The point I am making is that they need to keep their identity as a team. It is important they keep doing that if they are going to reach the last 16. If they decide to stay defensive and start fearing conceding goals, they will be going home.”
This article was most recently revised and updated 5 years ago
