Can Nigeria fly high in Brazil?

The Super Eagles performance at the preparatory friendly matches towards Brazil 2014 has cast a lot of doubt in the ability of the Nigerian team to excel. Nigerians are particularly worried at the poor and shabby display of Stephen Keshi’s boys in games against Scotland, Greece and USA.

The Eagles played 2-2 against Scotland, while their encounter with Greece ended 0-0 and their game against USA ended 1-2 in favour of their opponents.

Nigerians have faulted the team list as the likes of African Nations Cup 2013 hero, Sunday Mba, CHAN Most Valuable Player (MVP) Real Betis midfielder Nosa Igiebor and Nigeria hottest strker in Europe, Ike Uche are not on the 23-man list.

Sunday Mba, who helped Nigeria secure a third CAF Africa Cup of Nations last year, scored the winning goal in the 2013 Nations Cup final against Burkina Faso, was late in joining the Super Eagles’ training squad in London last week because of a visa hitch.

Football analysts faulted the 23-man squad for the Mundial: citing the inclusion of some players like Skipper Joseph Yobo and striker Osaze Odewingie into the national team following a long absence in the wilderness for over a year.

Also, Surprise inclusions are Ukraine -based forward, Babatunde Micheal and Kunle Odunlami, who plays for Sunshine Stars of Akure.

Being the African champions, Africa, Nigeria and the world will be expecting a brilliant outing from the team at the global fiesta and anything short of quarterfinals or the semifinals stage will not be taken lightly.

The coach needs to explore all his tactical skills and technical expertise to ensure that the team puts up a superlative performance

Nigerians will be glad to see Keshi’s team improve on Nigeria’s second round ticket booked in USA ‘94 and France ‘98. With the fact that Nigeria has not won a World Cup match since beating Bulgaria 3-2 at the group stage at France ’98. Also, the need for Keshi to build a compact and formidable squad with all departments intact that can compete with other teams in the World Cup is crucial for the success of the team.

With Nigeria, Argentina, Iran,Bosnia and Herzegovina in group F, soccer pundits are of the opinion that Argentina and Nigeria have the upper hand to progress to the next round. Though Bosnia and Herzegovina could pull some surprises, Iran remains the underdog in the group. This is because Iran has not been impressive at any of the senior World Cup competitions.

The Super Eagles are going for Brazil 2014 World Cup as the African Champions. The team has no reason to perform poorly. All that is necessary to put up a brilliant performance in Brazil must be done.

Although, It is too early to judge the Super Eagles ahead of their opening game in Brazil, Football enthusiasts are of the opinion that the Super Eagles will fly high in Brazil.