African Sports Monthly February 2014 Issue | Page 30

Which African Nation will Prevail in Brazil

Nigeria

The Eagles are undoubtedly Africa’s most successful nation, In terms of qualifying for the World Cup that is.

Nigeria were the first team to qualify for the 2014 FIFA World Cup after their 2-0 home win over the minnows of Ethiopia in the play offs which gave them a well deserved 4-1 winning aggregate.

Nigeria, is the most populous country on the African continent, it is one of Africa’s brightest hopes in Brazil coming on the heels of their recent African Cup of Nations championship in 2013 in South Africa.

Nigeria have a tendency of playing a defensive game which could prove to be their biggest undoing in Brazil as they will fight it out against teams that have all round capabilities. The Nigerian team is dominated by players who ply their trade in their local league.

The reigning African champions will march on to their fifth World Cup finals having also featured at the 1994, 1998, 2002 and 2010 tournaments and will heavily rely on in form midfielder Victor Moses and Victor Obinna.

Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel has promised that the African champions will cause surprises in Brazil after they held former World champions Italy to a thrilling 2-2 draw in a recent friendly match in London.

“The potentials are obvious but we must avoid arrogance and complacency. With that, this team will go places,” he testified.

Depending on the nations that the Super Eagles are drawn with, and true to Mikel’s words, they have the potential to cause some major upsets.

Super Eagles of Nigeria