Arsenal’s centre-back, Laurent Koscielny, has cautioned his French teammates ahead of their tricky Monday evening game against the Super Eagles in Brasilia.
Koscienlny said that it would be unwise to look too far ahead.
“The first objective was to get through the group phase. Now it’s to go as far as possible,” he said.
He added: “We are competitors and we are ambitious, but we know that we have opponents against us and that we might lose. We’re aware of our qualities, but anything is possible in a knockout match and for the moment, we’re only focusing on the last 16.”
Koscielny could line up in central defence alongside Raphael Varane at the Mane Garrincha National Stadium as Mamadou Sakho is doubtful due to a thigh injury.
Yohan Cabaye will come into the team in place of Schneiderlin after missing the Ecuador game due to suspension, but Paul Pogba’s place is under threat from Moussa Sissoko.
In-form CSKA Moscow winger, Ahmed Musa, who posted a scintillating performance against Argentina believes the unity in the present Super Eagles is helpful to their campaign so far at the World Cup.
“We need to defend well, take our chances up front and learn from the Argentina game,” Musa said.
He said: “In the second round, it’s winner takes all. I know with hard work and God’s support we shall make history. But prayers without hard work is nothing, so we need to be at our best against France to make it happen.”
Chelsea forward, Victor Moses, missed the Argentina game due to a muscular complaint, but he has since return to training with the squad in Brasilia.
Winger Michael Babatunde is out after his wrist was fractured by a shot from teammate, Ogenyi Onazi, during the match against Argentina, but Keshi has an otherwise fully fit squad to choose from.
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