Croatian coach Zdravko Logarušić has provided the lowdown on the Nigerian national team ahead of their very important 2018 World Cup opener against Nigeria, and has written off the Super Eagles defense.

Nigeria manager Gernot Rohr played with a four-man defense during the World Cup qualifiers, with Abdullahi Shehu, William Troost-Ekong, Leon Balogun and Elderson Echiejile his preferred formation.

In his own words, Logarušić claims he has been contacted by one of the richest men in Nigeria, Ifeanyi Ubah, to handle the Nnewi based club ahead of the new season.

''According to what I have observed with the Nigerian team, their defense is the weaker part of the team, but they are very, very dangerous in attack,'' Logarušić told sportske.jutarnji.hr.

''Also, they are exceptionally strong in dead ball situations, they are dominant in heading.

''The first match at the World Cup will be the best, because it will be full of motivation and confidence.

''If they do not get it, then they know they will fail so it is very uncomfortable to play with them first. They have to be monitored well, have all the information they need.''

Nigeria and Croatia face off at the Kaliningrad Stadium, Kaliningrad on June 16, 2018.

Igho Kingsley