Nigeria are yet to surpass the second round at the World Cup finals in four appearances.
Since its 1994 debut, Nigeria lost at the second round stage in 1994 and 1998, and lost out after the first round in 2002 and 2010.
Izilein said the team could only achieve this if Nigerians were fair in their criticism of it.
“Outright condemnation of the team is not only wrong but very bad in terms of development,” he said.
The former Eaglets coach said the team’s goalless draw with Iran on June 16 was a big testimony to the fact that there were no longer minnows in football.
Izilein said Nigerians must therefore be courageous enough and fair in their criticism of the national team.
“We should cherish what we have, so that they can do better in subsequent matches.
“We can all see that we have improved, better than what we played in our first match against the Iranian team which many considered to be minnows,” he said.
While commending the team’s head coach, Stephen Keshi, and the players, Izilein who once also handled the Super Falcons, urged the players to work harder in their subsequent matches.
He said this would enhance their chances of breaking the jinx of Nigeria not qualifying for the quarter-finals.
“Nothing is greater than prayers, and there should be candid efforts to work harder than their normal capacity.
“The competition is now a survival of the fittest and the level of technical know-how a team has.
“For instance, the Eagles did fairly well in the first match, and performed averagely in the second match. Now, they will perform superlatively in the next match against Argentina,” an optimistic Izilein said.
Nigeria who defeated Bosnia-Herzegovina 1-0 on Saturday, now sit in second place behind Argentina who had earlier on Saturday defeated Iran 1-0.
In the final round of Group F matches on Wednesday, Nigeria who now have four points will face Argentina who have the maximum six points.
Bosnia, with no point after two defeats, will face Iran which have one point.
- PMNEWS
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