June 12 1993 and June 12 2013 are similar dates in Nigeria known for negative reasons. Not only was the elections annulled in 1993, the worst happened in 2013 when the pinnacle of learning in the State, University of Uyo went on a fierce riot which led to the closure of the premises.
The mere mention of June 12 presently in 2014, will bring one thing on the minds of sports lovers. It will be the commencement of the FIFA World Cup in Brazil. It is no longer news that our own Super Eagles earned their spot in group F alongside Iran, Bosnia and familiar foes, Argentina. Familiar foe in a sense that this is the third time in four World Cup appearances we are pitted in the same group with the South Americans losing all three by a single goal margin.
The road to qualification was relatively tough with a convincing 4-1 aggregate victory against Ethiopia over two legs.
With the Mundial three weeks away, preparations, inputs are amongst the numerous questions on the minds of Nigerians.
The expectations here at home are diverse for reasons best known to us. First things first, the glass house (NFF), distracted by the claim of a certain Wilson Ray Perumal, to being involved in match fixing scandal en route the 2010 World Cup, have at least paid a large chunk of their dividends down to the team. At the fans or supporters club level, 50 million naira was being donated by the President towards the well being of the fans during their stay in Brazil. The Nigeria supporters club is known for its colourful displays at any football event.
President of NFF Aminu Maigari stressed that the fans can be an intimidating factor to the Super Eagle’s opponents. In his words, “our colourful and intimidating fans can cause their noises and drum beats to the detriment of our opponents thus we must give them much backing”.
I go in line with this, after all the great walls of Jericho were destroyed by noise. Funny as it will sound, it is worthy of note that the NFF even approved the demand by the supporters club to issue 62 million condoms for them to take to Brazil.
With that said, let’s take a look at the team. Beaming with confidence after being crowned champions of Africa, the Super Eagles has all it takes to conquer group F. Yes, we had a disastrous outing last year at the confederation cup thanks to the immature and uncomposed finishing in front of goal. The head coach, Keshi took the blame for fielding a rather inexperienced team during the tournament. Lessons can be learnt from the 2013 outing and the big boss has responded to that from the players he choosed in his 30 man provisional list. The return of the “prodigal” Osaze Odemwingie remains hallowed as well as that of Captain Yobo. He looks tired and old, but with due respect, Yobo deserves to be on the plane to Brazil.
Not only will his presence serve as a catalyst for younger members of the squad, his experiences in two previous World Cup will be of advantage. After all, the history making Ghana side in 2010 fielded an unattached Stephen Appiah who was in the twilight of his career. Senegal in 2002, was captained by an ageing Ferdinand Coly but that was never a setback for them as they conquered then world champions France but went as far as the quarter finals.
With few eye brows raised at some names included in the list, we should all be reminded that it will be trimmed to 23 on June 2nd. Looking at the squad in terms of goalie, Vincent Enyeama does it all while banking on the stand by the presence of the experienced Austine Ejide.
The AFCON winning backline of Efe Ambrose, Kenneth Omeruo, Oboabonna and Uwua Echiechile will surely be employed again by Keshi and on a good day, they are reliable. The inconsistency lies in the midfield due to the back and forth form of John Mikel Obi and Ogeyi Onazi together with the emerging brilliance of Raymond Azeez. This, I’m sure will be fixed by Keshi himself.
The front three of Osaze Odemwingie, Victor Moses and ever reliable Emmanuel Emenike would crack any defensive wall.
Having proved himself over the years, Osaze’s return will add the needed depth in the frontline due to lack of playing time being accrued to Liverpool’s Victor Moses. Ahmed Musa, who is having a good season with CSKA Moscow, would also be waiting in the wings to pounce.
Victory in the opening two matches against the Iranians and Edin Dsekko’s Bosnia would all but guarantee our passage to the next round. The game against Argentina, by looking through my crystal ball, will be more of a formality, this I must affirm.
With Cameroon reaching the quarter finals in 1994, Senegal in 2002, Ghana in 2010, who says we can’t surpass their feat? It’s so simple, treat the first two games as cup finals, take whatever you see in the last group game and prepare in wait for the round of 16. I am sure this is exactly on the agenda of the coach as well as the players. On a good day, Iran should concede not less than four goals from the Super Eagles and two goals against Bosnia without conceding should do.
The African fear factor must of necessity be eliminated from the minds of the players. Yes, sometimes we do not get the best officiating protection, but that shouldn’t pose a threat. Focus should be the key, one game before another. It baffled me when I heard the Chelsea defender, Kenneth Omeruo talking about how he hopes to stop Lionel Messi when actually there are two games to be played before the Argentina encounter and not also learning from the Beijiru 2008 Olympics final when Di Maria stepped up to deliver the goods when all the defenders had their eyes on Messi.
It is often said, behind every great team, there is a great coach. Stephen Keshi made history when he became the first man to win the AFCON as a player and also as a coach. Indeed, luck smiles at him. He is an expert when it comes to proving doubters wrong. He did this when he guided an unfancied Togolese team to the World Cup 2006 only to be stripped of his position before the tournament proper. He also took another unfancied Nigerian team to glory last year in South Africa after failing to win the first two group matches.
Admittedly, his row with the NFF over unpaid salaries and sack threats appear to be over and friendly fixtures against Scotland in London, Greece in Philadelphia May 28, on June 3rd and USA on 7th June are being put in place to ascertain the team’s form and fitness level before the tournament kickstarts. The duel against Jurgen Klinsmann’s American team appears to be the standout fixtures with due respect to Scotland and Greece.
If Ghana were a spot kick away from being in the semi finals last time out, what lies in wait for the reigning African champions? I’ll put my money on seeing the green and white flag hoisted during the closing ceremony before kickoff regardless of any opposition. We indeed will surprise the world. Yes, we can!!!
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