Eagles Played Better in the Closing Minutes, Says Keshi

Super Eagles coach Stephen Keshi believes Tuesday’s stalemate against 2004 European champions Greece is a step forward in the team’s preparation for the World Cup.

The African champions have earned two honourable draws against Uefa zone teams in the second of three exhibition games over seven-day span.

Keshi is however yet to win a game against European opponents since taking charge of the African champions in 2011, but sees Tuesday midnight’s draw against coach Fernando Santos’s side as an encouraging result, while admitting his side played better in the closing period of the match.

Super Eagles Coach Stephen Keshi Mulls His Team Strategy Ahead of Tuesday's Stalemate With Greece. Image: Twitter @NgSuperEagles
Super Eagles Coach Stephen Keshi Mulls His Team Strategy Ahead of Tuesday’s Stalemate With Greece. Image: Twitter @NgSuperEagles

“We were not able to keep our ball possession like we did for the last 12 to 15 minutes,” Keshi said. “We’ll see how it goes in the next game.”

Nigeria’s next friendly will come against the United States on Saturday in Jacksonville, Florida.

Captain Joseph Yobo, a 46th minute substitute for Godfrey Obaobona, expects Nigeria to come out stronger against the USMNT.

“It’s going to be a really good test,” on-loan Norwich City defender Yobo said. “It will be an exciting game and hopefully, we can raise our performance.”

AP