Gernot Rohr is not at all disturbed by the ‘underdog’ tag given his team following their unimpressive performances in their pre-World Cup friendlies.
The team recorded one win and a draw, losing three in their last five games prior to the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
The Super Eagles will depart for Russia on Monday from their Avita Resort camp in Bad Tatzmannsdorf, Austria will lead the team out against Croatia in their opening game before tackling Iceland and Argentina in Group D.
“We are okay with the garb of the underdog. But the defeats have done something for us – we have our heads firmly on our shoulders and we are focused,” the Super Eagles coach told the Nigerian Football Federation media and communication department.
“Together, we have reviewed the matches and learnt so many lessons. We will approach the World Cup matches differently.
“We will take it one match at a time. I love this group because we know how to rise to the occasion together. Nigeria will be ready for Croatia,” Rohr added.
This will be the Super Eagles sixth appearance in seven finals since making a memorable debut in the USA in 1994.
In their past five opening games at the World Cup, the Super Eagles have won twice and lost twice as well as losing one.
They hope to record their first win in their first game since 1998.
This article was most recently revised and updated 3 years ago
