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This weekend, the Super Eagles of Nigeria will embark on a mission to secure their fifth FIFA World Cup ticket. The 2014 edition of the world’s biggest singular sporting event will be hosted by the greatest football nation – Brazil. Certainly no one wants to miss out!
The Super Eagles got a taste of what the fiesta in Brazil would look like during this summer’s FIFA Confederations Cup. Nigeria represented Africa by the virtue of being the continent’s champion but they did not enjoy some much success in a tricky group where they faced World and European champions – Spain, South American champions – Uruguay and Oceania minnows – Tahiti.
With June’s experience fresh in our minds, this hurdle against the Walia Antelopes of Ethiopia should be tagged as a final. As African football has improved; Nigeria have found it more difficult qualifying for international competition with the failure to reach the 2006 FIFA World Cup after three consecutive finals appearances is still very fresh in our memories. Another slip up cannot be afforded.
Our opponents – Ethiopia who have slumped into the footballing wilderness since winning the African Nations Cup in 1962 have never played at a World Cup. However, they showed their marked improvement at the last African Nations Cup, where they held now former defending champions Zambia to a draw, and in their qualifying campaign, they had four victories including one over South Africa away.
Despite this, the Super Eagles should not have much to bother going by their impressive record of seven wins, one draw and one defeat against lowly -ranked opponent at least according to both FIFA and CAF ratings. The Super Eagles had three victories as well as three draws in their preliminary qualifying section. Nigeria have reasons to be confident, with four appearances in the last five FIFA World Cups and the array of quality players like John Obi Mikel, Victor Moses and Emmanuel Emenike to mention a few, the Super Eagles are expected to secure their ticket over the two legged encounter.
With just one more road to cross, the Steven Keshi led Super Eagles can start thinking another summer in Brazil. Hopefully at the mundial, the African champions can go one or two steps better and push for a quarter or semi final berth.
