"We Had Too Much Respect For Italy And It Affected Our Performance" - Stephen Keshi
Nigeria would have beaten four-time world champions Italy on Monday but showed them too much respect, according to coach Stephen Keshi.
Monday night’s friendly at Craven Cottage ended in a thrilling 2-2 draw.
“Maybe, we had too much of respect for them, but am sure if by chance we meet at the World Cup, we will put up a better performance,” Keshi, looking back at the game said.
He therefore demanded more work and focus from his players in the lead-up to next year’s World Cup in Brazil.
“It’s time to go back and work hard for our various clubsides and stay healthy, because that will form the basis for invitation when we resume next year,” he said.
“The truth is that not everybody here will go to the World Cup, but that is how football goes, so those who
want to be part of the team must remain fit and play regularly for their clubsides.”
England-based stars like Mikel Obi, Shola Ameobi and Victor Moses have since rejoined their clubs.
Keshi and other team officials are expected back in Nigeria on Thursday morning, as they will depart London Wednesday night via HeathrowAirport for Lagos.
Keshi is expected to start preparations for the 2014 CHAN early December, with only home-based professionals. The event holds in January in South Africa.
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