Football
ESPN staff 10y

Victor Moses gives Nigeria boost

Victor Moses returned to Nigeria training ahead of their 2014 World Cup round of 16 game against France.

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Moses, 23, had been the Super Eagles' main injury concern but the Chelsea winger gave coach Stephen Keshi a boost with his presence.

Only midfielder Michael Babatunde, who fractured his wrist during the group stage, was not present.

Although Nigeria go into the game against France as underdogs Keshi insists that they only have a win in mind.

"Our mentality must be strong," Keshi said in commments published by Nigeria's Football Federation. "Our approach to every match has always been the same: To win.

"Whether we are playing against Spain at the Confederations Cup or playing against Liberia in a friendly match, I always tell the boys that victory is non-negotiable."

With Nigeria and Algeria still in contention, it's the first time that two African countries have advanced to the knockout stages at a World Cup.

But Keshi refuses to look past the game against France, even though a win against Les Bleus could set up a possible quarterfinal showdown with Algeria, who face Germany.

"We don't even want to think of who might be lurking in the quarterfinals if we win, we are not bothered," Keshi said. "All we know is that we must win on Monday."

Information from the Associated Press was used in this report.

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