Nigeria – the country, the football
Officially known as the Federal Republic of Nigeria, this West African country counts as much as thirty-six different states. It is bordered on the west by Benin, on the east by Cameroon, and on the north by Niger.
Nigeria has the biggest population in Africa with over 154,700,000 inhabitants populating its 923, 768 km² territory.
After gaining its independence from the United Kingdom in the 60s, the people of Nigeria responded well to their national anthem “Arise, O Compatriots” by growing in confidence and pride.
Despite the controversial figure that the country presents in Africa, in comparison to other peaceful nations such as Ghana, Nigerians keep on adoring the flag’s green and white colors.
The supporters of the senior national team of football could lift the flag even higher come January 2010.
The Super Eagles can boast of a multitude of good memories and achievements at both the international and African level.
Three World Cup appearances in a row between 1998 and 2002, as well as a 5th place ranking in FIFA’s standings back in 1994 illustrate Nigeria’s potential over the years.
Now in 2010, the Super Eagles will try and emulate their 1980 and 1994 triumphs on the African continent by winning the Africa Cup of Nations in Angola.
Nigeria – the road to the 2010 Africa Cup of Nations
Seeded in Pot A during the draws for Round 2 of the joint Africa Cup of Nations and World Cup qualification campaign, Nigeria fell in Group 4 where they had to meet the likes of South Africa, Sierra Leone, and Equatorial Guinea.
Nigeria arguably imposed themselves as the best team in the second round by clinching all possible points from six games.
Defensively, the Super Eagles also proved to be stable by letting only one goal in their net.
In the third and final round of the qualifiers, Nigeria were drawn in Group B. The table looked difficult with the 2004 African champions Tunisia also included in it.
Nigeria’s focus was more on finishing top of their group as qualification for the finals of the World Cup in South Africa was a must. However, a third place finish would have been enough to reach the 2010 Africa Cup of Nations in Angola.
Drama and thrill characterized Nigeria’s final round of the campaign but luck and determination finally fired them at the top of Group B, and en route to South Africa 2010 and of course the Africa Cup of Nations.
Nigeria ended with 12 points from six games and also maintained an unbeaten record throughout the entire qualification campaign.
Nigeria – 2010 Africa Cup of Nations group stage
Nigeria didn’t make it in the top seeds during the draws for the 2010 Africa Cup of Nations which took place in Angola early in November.
The two-time African champions had to content themselves with a place in Pot 2. They’ll therefore have to face a seeded nation in the group stages of the competition. During the draws, it was revealed that the Super Eagles will meet Egypt, Mozambique, and Benin in Group C.
Match-day One:
Egypt and Nigeria will lock horns on January 12th at 16:00 GMT. The match will receive a lot of attention as both countries possess potential and a big history behind them. The match will be played at the Complexo da Sr. da Graça in Bengula, where Nigeria will be based.
Match-day Two:
Nigeria will then face Benin at the same time but four days later. Benin defended their worth throughout the qualifiers. Despite missing out on South Africa 2010, Benin finished just behind Ghana in the final round as they made it to the finals of the 2010 Africa Cup of Nations. The proud national team of Nigeria will not afford to underestimate their opponents in match-day two.
Match-day Three:
It will be Nigeria vs Mozambique on January 20th at the Estadio Alto da Chela in Lubango. This match will mark Nigeria’s last match in the group stages of the competition but it will perhaps not be their last game of the tournament.
Nigeria – 2010 Africa Cup of Nations squad
Nigeria's manager, S. Amodu, created his 23-man squad and he was fortunate not to have any big absentee.
Goalkeeper:
D. Aiyenugba; A. Ejide; V. Enyeama
Defenders:
U. Echiejile; O. Nwaneri; C. Odiah; A. Onyekachi; D. Shitu; T. Taiwo; J. Yobo; A. Yussuf; M. Yusuf
Midfielders:
D. Etuhu; S. Kaita; J. Obi Mikel; S. Olofinjana; K. Uche
Attackers:
Yakubu; M. Eneramo; N. Kanu; O. Martins; V. Nsofor; P. Odemwingie
Nigeria – Quick analysis: Things to expect from the Super Eagles of Nigeria
Nigeria will enter the 2010 Africa Cup of Nations with the aim of winning the tournament. January 2010 will mark ten years since Nigeria have not played in an Africa Cup of Nations final.
The entire country will feel that time can no more run down the years before the senior national football team of Nigeria brings silverware back home.
The disappointments suffered two years ago in CAN 2008 should serve as a motivation to go all the way and win the trophy this time around. Nigeria also grabbed late tickets for South Africa 2010 so they might find a boost in confidence with their heroics on the last day of the campaign.
The team possesses talent in players like Obafemi Martins, Marseille’s Taye Taiwo, Everton’s Joseph Yobo, and Chelsea’s John Obi Mikel. The coach, Shaibu Amodu, will need to bring out the best of these players and build a good team spirit as his side look forward to clinching the 2010 Africa Cup of Nations in Angola.
Nigeria – Africa Cup of Nations record
Nigeria have tasted African glory twice at the senior level. The might have achieved more glory if they didn’t stumble six times in the semi-finals of the continent’s biggest tournament.
2010: Qualified
2008: Quarter-finals
2006, 2004, 2002, 1992, 1978, 1976: Third place
2000, 1990, 1988, 1984: Second place
1994, 1980: Champions
1982, 1963: Round 1
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