Nigeria – World Cup 2010 Preview #7 (Group B)

Nigeria

Appearances at World Cup finals: 3 – in 1994, 1998 and 2002. 2010 marks a return to the global spotlight for Nigeria after an eight year absence.

Best ever performance: Nigeria reached the second round in both 1994 and 1998, but it was the manner in which they burst onto the scene in 1994 – full of energy, colour, flamboyance and vibrancy – that really took the world by storm.

Players like Rashidi Yekini, Daniel Amokachi and Emmanuel Amunike earned international recognition as a dynamic Nigeria team stormed to the top of a group that included Argentina (Maradona and all) and a Bulgaria side that would go on to finish fourth. The Super Eagles had landed.

Famous moment in World Cup history: Nigeria were just minutes away from a World Cup quarter final at their debut tournament in 1994. Leading 1-0 against Italy (who would go on to finish runners-up) Nigeria just couldn’t quite hold on long enough to see off the Italians, succumbing to a Roberto Baggio equaliser with seconds remaining. Italy emerged triumphant in extra time.

Battering Bulgaria 3-0 in their first ever World Cup game also lives long in the memory.

The Lowdown: It is the old foes again for Nigeria at the World Cup this time around, as familiar faces Greece and Argentina stand in their way in Group B, alongside South Korea.

Nigeria have something of a storied history with Argentina. It was they who Nigeria beat to win the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta (Argentina would have their revenge at Beijing 2008), and Nigerians still argue to this day that it might all have been different had Maradona not been around to down them in 1994 (he failed a drugs test just days after). Add Greece into the mix and you have 3/4ths of Nigeria’s group from their first World Cup.

Nigerians are naturally optimistic about their football team – something that has in many ways proved a hindrance rather than a help. “If Lagerback can get self-belief and mental strength into the team…it is easy to see a path even to the semi finals,” stated Colin Udoh, one of Nigeria’s most expected football writers in this month’s World Soccer magazine, and such overzealous optimism is often part of the problem. Put simply, this Nigeria team is not enough to make the final four.

They were barely good enough to make the final four at the recent African Cup of Nations, narrowly squeezing past Zambia on penalties after a goalless quarter final. So what makes anyone think they can go so far against the world’s elite?

The team is not bad, far from it, and there is potential. Swedish coach Lars Lagerback at least has the experience to command the respect of the players, and his tactical organisation could help a side that has the propensity to look aimless at times. Nigeria basically drifted to 3rd in Angola.

Defensively the team is strong, and Nigeria are probably the most physically able and athletic side in Group B. But creativity is often a worry and in recent times it has been a case of – if Odemwingie or Martins can’t do it, no-one will. John Obi Mikel needs to take more responsibility as playmaker and assume the talismanic role that has been assigned him.

Nigeria are an enigmatic side. They could crash out early or they could dazzle. Finding out which way it goes is all part of the fun.

Qualification: Nigeria were as good as out of the World Cup 2010 at the qualification stages when a 2-2 draw in a pivotal home game against Tunisia, courtesy of a last minute Tunisian goal, left them all but home and dry.

But a narrow, last minute win over Mozambique in the following game and a remarkable turnaround in the final group games changed everything. Mozambique beat Tunisia 1-0 with an 83rd minute winner from Dario Monteiro and an Obafemi Martins inspired Nigeria come from behind to beat Kenya 3-2 away from home. Qualification was secured at the death, and Africa’s most populous nation ensured they will be represented at the continent’s first ever World Cup.

Top scorer in qualifying: Victor Obinna and Ikechukwu Uche – 4 goals each.

All-time World Cup finals top scorer: Emmanuel Amunike and Daniel Amokachi – 2 each.

The Manager: Lars Lagerback. Signed up on a short term contract after Shaibu Amodu was sacked earlier this year, Lagerback has barely had more than 10 training sessions with his team in which to prepare for the world’s biggest sporting event. Nigeria aren’t one for standing by their man when it comes to coaches. But can the pragmatic, well organised Swede instil cohesiveness and team spirit into Nigeria within such a short time span? It will no doubt be a test of his coaching ability.

Key Player: Peter Odemwingie. The jewel in Nigeria’s crown and for my money their best player. When Odemwingie is on song the Super Eagles usually soar, and the pacy, attacking livewire is adept either as an out-and-out striker or down the wing. His passion for the shirt is also clear to see and important to a side lacking genuine leaders. In a team that lacks a consistent goal threat, the Lokomotiv Moscow front man will be relied on to provide a spark.

One to Watch: Chinedu Obasi. The Hoffenheim forward played in every match at the recent African Cup of Nations and impressed despite fading as the tournament progressed. A strong, quick right winger who possesses a powerful shot and is cute in front of goal, Obasi should feature heavily.

On the move?: Joseph Yobo’s time at Everton appears to be up, while Vincent Enyeama’s impressive club form could see the Hapoel Tel Aviv goalkeeper secure a move away to a bigger club out of Israel.

How will Nigeria do in South Africa? Tell us your thoughts on the Super Eagles below.

Group B, Nigeria, Previews, World Cup 2010