WHAT'S YOUR PREDICTION? SHARE IT HERE
Let me dwell more on Nigeria’s chances at the tournament. How bright are our chances? Do we have what it takes to confront big-soccer nations as Germany, Brazil France and Spain? I am aware we are going to Brazil as the reigning African champions. Does that add any value to our chances of doing well? As champions of Africa, we will be under obligation to conduct ourselves creditably, and that will bring too much pressure to bear on the team.
I recall, with fondest memories, our 1994 maiden appearance at the World Cup. It ignited hope and unparalleled patriotism in Nigerians. Almost every Nigerian was solidly behind the Eagles and they did not disappoint. If not for inexperience the team would have got to the finals of the event. Their first match in the tournament against Bulgaria was a cracker, with Rashidi Yekini scoring the opener. The second match against Greece brought out the best in the Eagles, paving the way for them to qualify for the round of 16, where they were eventually eliminated by Italy after a pulsating match.
What will happen this time round? How much will Nigerians support the Eagles? Will their support be as electrifying as that of 1994? I ask these questions because of the impact of the English Premiership which passion seems to have engulfed our youth. In football, nothing else matters to them other than the EPL matches. Even the high and mighty of society is not left out. I know my friend, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is a die-hard supporter of Manchester United. So also is his successor, Governor Babatunde Fashola, who is daily transforming sports in Lagos State. I must not fail to mention the success of the recently-concluded kids’ tournament for primary schools in the state sponsored by the Lagos State Government. I saw the kids as they juggled the ball and displayed incredible skills. How I wish other states would emulate Lagos state in this connection.
I have been wondering what will happen if the current Eagles displayed the skills of the 1994 team. It will definitely make them make a difference. Soccer has grown in scope and technicality. The involvement of IT has changed the way things were done in the past.
This is one area our sports administrators need to pay attention. I trust the ability of Keshi to steer the Eagles’ ship to a successful berth. But he needs moral and material support to excel. His outing in the Nations’ Cup and in the friendly matches the team had played shows him off as a man with a rosy future in the business. However, I expect him to do what is needful to keep constantly in touch with innovations in the game. I am proud of him. After all, many wrote him off when his name came up for consideration for the Eagles’ job. I was one person that stood stoically in support of him, having known him personally and his unremitting commitment to service.
For the individual players, they are good in their own right. Players such as Mikel, Yobo, Nosa Odemwingie, Victor Moses and Shola Ameobi are tested professionals who have painted Europe red with their extraordinary skills. So, I expect nothing less than superlative performance from them. They will be supported by other very mobile, young players namely Ahmed Musa, Ejike Uzoenyi, and Sunday Mba. These ones too are a thorn in the flesh of any coach.
Interestingly, many Nigerians believe the Eagles will go as far as the finals, while some incurable optimists hope Nigeria will win. Whichever way you look at it my position is simple: Eagles will perform well; even better than they did in 1994. Winning the trophy is what I cannot put my money on.
WHAT'S YOUR PREDICTION? SHARE IT HERE
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