How far will the Nigerian Super Eagles go?

What are the chances of the Nigerian Super Eagles 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 believe 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 the desire to win along with discipline and prayers would go a long way. However, this is what I would be talking about and maybe at the end of this post,

You can agree or disagree on 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 coincidentally would face again this year in South Africa ‘2010’, and were eliminated in the round of 16 by Italy.

In France ’98’, he qualified as group champion, playing against teams like Spain and Bulgaria. They were knocked out again and failed to make it through 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 prevented Nigeria from participating in the 2006 edition that took place in Germany.

There has been a steady decline from 1994 to 2006, and I’m sure everyone agrees. 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 Mozambique would beat Tunisia. That is exactly what happened, and with that victory, Nigeria was able to overtake Tunisia and clinch a ticket to the 2010 South Africa World Cup.

Preparations are now the key to Nigeria’s chances at the World Cup. However, there is a problem in the lack of cohesion between the generation of older and younger players (coughing sarcastically).

Nigeria has always produced quality players. People like Stephen Keshi, According to 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, in fact, produced extraordinary soccer talents. But, with forwards like Martins, Osaze, Yakubu (I wonder how the team did), Kalu, Obasi, Utaka, Kanu (well?), Nsofor and Obasi, the Nigerians would be praying that their eyes for goals would look to the team to glory during the World Cup. The partnership between the forwards has 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 coach, Shaibu Amodu. Positive signs are beginning 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 come as a surprise. After losing qualifying 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!

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