What are the chances of the Nigerian Super Eagles being in the first world cup to be held on the African continent? My guess is as good as yours or maybe not.
People have been reacting to what they think would be another embarrassing exit for Nigeria in South Africa, while others believe the team could be the surprise package of the tournament.
Honestly, I believe that only teams with good preparation and desire to win, added to discipline and prayer, would go very far. However, this is what I would be talking about and maybe at the end of this post,
You can agree or disagree about how far the team can go. Let’s go back in time and see how far the team has come.
Nigeria participated in their first World Cup in the US ’94 final. They qualified as runner-up behind Argentina, whom they would coincidentally face again this year in South Africa ‘2010’, and were eliminated in the second round by Italy.
In France ’98’ they qualified as group champion, playing against Spain and Bulgaria. They were knocked out again and failed to progress to the second round after suffering an embarrassing 4:1 loss at the hands of Denmark.
They did not make it past the group stage in 2002, while politics and poor results ensured that Nigeria were unable to participate in the 2006 edition which took place in Germany.
From 1994 to 2006 there has been a steady decline that I’m sure everyone agrees on. It doesn’t matter, let’s continue.
This time the Eagles narrowly escaped disqualification on the last day of playoffs. They needed to win the game in Kenya, hoping Mozambique would beat Tunisia. That is exactly what happened, and with that victory, Nigeria was able to overcome Tunisia and secure the 2010 World Cup ticket to South Africa.
Preparations are now key to Nigeria’s World Cup chances. However, there is a problem in the lack of cohesion between the older generation of players and the younger ones (coughing sarcastically).
Nigeria has always produced quality players. The likes of Stephen Keshi, Segun Odegbami, Rashidi Yekini, Mutiu Adepoju, Sunday Oliseh, Finidi George, Daniel Amokachi, Emmanuel Amuneke, Samson Siasia,
Christian Chukwu, Friday Elaho, Uche Okechukwu, Celestine Babayaro, Austin Okocha, the late Samuel Okwaraji (God bless his soul) have shown that the country has produced extraordinary soccer talents. But, with strikers like Martins, Osaze, Yakubu (I wonder how he made the team), Kalu, Obasi, Utaka, Kanu (and well?), Nsofor and Obasi, the Nigerians would be praying their goal eyes would look the team to glory during the world cup. The partnership between the forwards is yet to blossom, regardless of the style and formation the team adopts.
However, a rebuilding project is now underway after a new manager (Lars Largerback) has been appointed to replace the old manager, Shaibu Amodu. Positive signs are starting to emerge with the Swedish tactician already making changes to the team. Personally, I think these are minor indications for Nigerians to believe that the Super Eagles may pull off an upset. After missing out on qualifying last time out, I expect the Eagles to be a team with a point to prove.
Let me know your thoughts and until next time, have a great day!
