Can John Obi Mikel help Nigeria win the football world cup
Nigeria is one of the 6 African teams that is dreaming of making history in the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.
Can Nigeria win it all?
Can the Super Eagles fly to reach the top of the soccer World? In Nigeria, many countrymen dream of winning the World Cup. But this dream has little chance of happening in South Africa. Before playing its 4th World Cup, Taye Taiwo and friends do not seem to have the weapons to prove the bookies wrong. On paper, Nigeria always has a great pool of players with great talent and physical abilities. On the down side, the collective game of Nigeria is not its forte. After barely qualifying into the World Cup after an unexpected Tunisian loss on the last day of the qualifiers, the Nigerians did not show any more signs of strong cohesion at the 2010 African Cup of Nations in Angola.
It is true that they made it to the semi-finals but they did not impress anyone. Their defence is still weak and the internal rivalries within the team always come back to haunt Nigeria. The Nigerian coach, Shuaibu Amodu, was replaced by Lars Lagerbäck. It is not always a great idea to change coach a few months before the World Cup. The Nigerian Federation has set the objective to make it to the semi-final, not necessarily a realistic objective.
Lars Lagerbäck mentions, "It is a team with an interesting physical potential and individual talent. I will even say that Nigeria has more pure technical talent than most other teams. There is no need to worry. ''
History
Nigeria is not a newbie to the World Cup, The Super Eagle were in the 1994, 1998, 2002 and 2006 World Cup. In 1994, they finished first in their group and lost to eventual finalist Italy in the round of 16. 4 years later, Kanu and Okocha led the Super Eagles to the round of 16 again but lost to Denmark 4-1, a very disappointing result for a team with such a great generation of young talented players. 2002 saw Nigeria go down in flames. Nigeria has not been able to get back to the World scene, although it had flashes of brilliance including a 1-0 victory over France in a friendly game.
Key Players
To compensate for a weak defence, Nigeria will be providing firepower. With ex-Newcastle and ex-Inter striker Obafemi Martins, Peter Odemwingie or Yakubu Aiyegbeni, the Super Eagles have an offensive potential that is not to be under estimated. If they step up their game, Nigeria can bother any defence they will meet. An important key to their success will be the midfield and specifically the form of Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel. Mikel underwent a minor surgery on his knee in the beginning of May. His presence will most probably determine the success of the Nigerian midfield.
Jay Jay Okocha: "We have to believe in Nigeria's strengths. I estimate that with Coach Lars Lagerbäck and the players' experience, they will make Nigeria proud. The good thing is that when a new coach comes in, it forces the players to double their efforts to get a spot on the team. The Eagles are unpredictable and I am sure that they will beat Argentina.''
Schedule
June 12th: Argentina - Nigeria (Johannesburg)
June 17th: Greece - Nigeria (Mangaug)
June 22nd: Nigeria – South Korea (Durban)
Possible round of 16 matches: France, Mexico, Uruguay or South Africa.
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