From their eye-catching World Cup debut in 1994 to the clutch of players currently starring in the English Premier League, Nigeria have always shown the potential to compete with the elite nations. But as yet, they have not turned that promise into prizes at the World Cup. They are still looking for their first quarter-final appearance.
The Nigerians head into the 2010 tournament eager to make amends and cash in on African soil. Back in 1994, reaching the second round was a spectacular achievement for a youthful squad, but failures to surpass that effort in 1998 and 2002 were disappointing considering the quality of players available. Missing out altogether in 2006 brought more misery, but fate smiled more kindly on Nigeria when the groups were drawn for this summer’s tournament.
The Nigerians are in Group B with Argentina, South Korea and Greece, which is a more favourable draw than in 2002 when they ended up in a Group of Death.
The Coach
Lars Lagerback (SWE)
61 years old
Just when things were starting to fall into place – World Cup qualification, a disappointing yet not disastrous third place finish in the African Nations Cup – Nigeria sacked coach Shaibu Amodu, in part due to pressure from supporters. This sudden vacancy was filled by Swede Lars Lagerback, who has been given little time to familiarise himself with his players.
Yet Lagerback is expecting a strong run from his team, setting a place in the last four as a lofty target. "I think it is quite possible for Nigeria to reach the semi-finals in South Africa", said the Swede. "You have good individual skills in Nigeria, so if we can get that together with the players, I think we have a fairly good chance to go far in the World Cup."
Players to watch
Yakubu Aiyegbeni
27 years old
Striker
Everton (ENG)
Fit again after missing parts of the season through injury, Yakubu is Nigeria’s biggest attacking threat. A clinical finisher and an expert penalty taker, he presents a host of problems for defenders. His partnership with Obafemi Martins will be critical for the Super Eagles as they attempt to impose themselves on a manageable group. He should be fresher than some too due to the injury layoff.
Peter Odemwingie
28 years old
Winger/Forward
Lokomotiv Moscow (RUS)
Born in the Soviet Union, Odemwingie currently stars for Lokomotiv Moscow in the Russian Premier League. A tricky winger, with an abundance of pace, Odemwingie is capable of causing the most accomplished of full backs serious difficulty. Signed from Lille in 2007 for $14M, the 28-year-old has already begun to attract the attention of major European sides. Captained Nigeria at the recent Nations Cup in Angola.
Joseph Yobo
29 years old
Centre Back
Everton (ENG)
For all their attacking menace, Nigeria’s defence is somewhat fragile and may prove to be their Achilles heel. Therefore, much will depend on Yobo. He will be charged with organising the Nigeria rearguard and using his pace and international experience to snuff out danger. Yobo had a tough year at Everton and there is a good chance that he will leave Goodison Park before next season. He has a point to prove this summer.
Dickson Etuhu
27 years old
Midfielder
Fulham (ENG)
An unsung hero of Fulham’s fairytale run to the Europa League final, Etuhu will also be pivotal for Nigeria this summer, playing in a similar role. He is strong in the tackle, distributes the ball sensibly and is aware of his limits. Few midfielders will relish coming up against Etuhu and Mikel and this powerful engine room can drive the Nigerians into the knockout rounds.
The view from Nigeria
Only a handful of other countries will feel more pressure from their fans than Nigeria at the 2010 World Cup and the sacking of Amodu highlighted the mighty expectations placed on the team. The mood within Nigeria can change from one match to the next and this sometimes hostile backdrop will be an extra factor for the players to handle.
Prediction
Provided that the dressing room is united and the players are focused, Nigeria should have enough quality to reach the second round, especially with vocal home support to lean on. However, second place in Group B behind Argentina seems the best case scenario for the Nigerians and that would set up a probable clash with a talented French side, meaning a likely second round exit, just like in 1994 and 1998.
Did you know?
Nigeria were unbeaten in qualifying for the 2010 World Cup – another reason to question the hasty dismissal of Amodu.
Group games
12/06/10: Nigeria 0 – 1 Argentina – Ellis Park, Johannesburg
17/06/10: Nigeria 1 -2 Greece – Bloemfontein
22/06/10: Nigeria 2 – 2 South Korea – Durban
