France coach, Didier Deschamps does not believe his side will have an easy time when they meet Nigeria in the round of 16 at the 2014 FIFA World Cup finals in Brazil.
The Super Eagles go head-to-head against Les Blues on Monday with bookmakers seemingly unanimous that the French would be too strong for the African champions.
Deschamps, a World Cup winner in 1998, however does not share that opinion and does not think a win over the Super Eagles will be an easy one.
“Some people thought we were the kings of the world after beating Switzerland 5-2 but Ecuador showed they have qualities, and Argentina had a difficult match against Nigeria.
“Nigeria are a strong, fast team who have great qualities and it is going to be a really difficult match and we will have to fight,” Deschamps said in his post-match press conference after Les Blues drew their final preliminary game 0-0 against Ecuador on Wednesday.
France struggled to break down the well-drilled Ecuador side at the Estádio do Maracanã, Rio de Janeiro with many questioning Deschamps’ decision to ring several changes in his squad.
The former France captain however defended his decision and added that he was confident his charges will play better against Nigeria.
“My team selection was not by chance and it’s important that all players get into the rhythm. Now we have five days to prepare for our game against Nigeria.
“They had a team with 10 players in front of us defending well. We had an enormous number of chances and we are disappointed we were not as effective as in our previous matches,” he said.
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