What are the chances that the Nigerian Super Eagles will be 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.
I honestly believe that only teams with good preparation and a desire to win, along with discipline and prayer, would go very far. However, this is what I would be talking about and maybe by 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 its first World Cup in the United States ’94 final. They qualified as runners-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 champions, playing against Spain and Bulgaria. They were eliminated again and failed to progress to the second round after suffering an embarrassing 4:1 loss at the hands of Denmark.
They did not progress 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 which I’m sure everyone agrees on. It doesn’t matter, let’s move on.
This time, the Eagles narrowly escaped disqualification on the final day of playoffs. They needed to win the game in Kenya, hoping that Mozambique would beat Tunisia. That is exactly what happened, and with that victory, Nigeria was able to overtake Tunisia and secure the World Cup ticket to South Africa 2010.
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 football talent. But, with strikers like Martins, Osaze, Yakubu (wonder how he made the team), Kalu, Obasi, Utaka, Kanu (well?), Nsofor and Obasi, Nigerians would be praying that their eyes for goals would look the team to glory during the World Cup. The partnership between the strikers is yet to flourish, 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 beginning to emerge with the Swedish tactician already making changes to the team. Personally, I think these are minor clues for Nigerians to believe that the Super Eagles can pull off an upset. After missing out last time, I hope the Eagles are a team with a point to prove.
Let me know your thoughts and until next time, have a great day!