Neymar expresses delight that Brazil have not been pitched in the same group as Nigeria for 2018 World Cup

BRAZILIAN skipper Neymar has expressed relief that Selecao have avoided Nigeria in next year's World Cup stating that he is happy his team will not be up against any African side as they wear you down with their physical fitness.

At the Russia 2018 draw last Friday, Nigeria was placed in Group D alongside perennial opponents Argentina, Croatia and debutants Iceland.  Brazil, the most successful nation at the World Cup and the only team to have appeared in every edition of the tournament, on the other hand, are in Group E alongside Switzerland, Serbia and Costa Rica.

Neymar, the world's most expensive player, said he was happy that Brazil will not be facing any African team during the group stages of the World Cup in Russia next year. he mentioned Nigeria as one of the teams ‎he is happy to avoid while praising the strength of the other teams in their group.

"We have to be at our best to get a good result particularly in our first game of the tournament. The teams in our group are difficult to play against.

” I am happy it wasn’t a group where we had to play against African teams like Nigeria as they run a lot and are very physical in their approach. We are no doubt still up against strong sides at the World Cup," Neymar said.

Brazil hosted the World Cup in 2014 but were embarrassed in the semi finals when eventual champions Germany beat the Selecao 7-1 in front of their home fans. Next year, Brazil are aiming to reverse the humiliation by winning the trophy for a record sixth time.