MATCHDAY: Nigeria vs Morocco preview
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MATCHDAY: Nigeria vs Morocco preview
(culled from Cybereagles)
http://www.cybereagles.co.uk/news/default.asp?id=722
Nigeria and Morocco will be at daggers drawn as the Super Eagles of Nigeria open up their Nations Cup conquest. In what promises to be a scintillating encounter, much will be at stake as the winner of this battle of Group D favorites will walk away with three points to stoke their Cup winning ambitions, while the loser will be forced to go back to the drawing board.
The two teams last met at the Nations Cup four year ago in Lagos, during another tense 'group of death' skirmish with the Super Eagles bagging a 2-0 victory. Morocco will be expected to put up a better fight this time. Possessing a young, but rising squad Morocco coach Badou Zaki will hope that a victory over Nigeria will provide the tonic that his team needs to spur them onto greater heights. On the flip side of the coin Zaki's opposite number, coach Christian Chukwu, who's team is also replete with youngsters (majority of the squad has 1 Nations Cup experience or less), will not want his charges to stumble at the hurdle.
The Super Eagles will largely depend on the experience of Nwankwo Kanu and Austin Okocha to set up goal scorers like Julius Aghahowa, Yakubu Aiyegbeni and John Utaka in attack. While Joseph Yobo, Isaac Okoronkwo and Chelsea's Celestine Babayaro will be expected to handle the rearguard.
Morocco will be stout in defense and very organised in midfield. All time African great Nourredine Naybet and Talal El Karkouris form a rock solid partnership at the back, while the midfield should be aptly marshalled by the likes of the twin Youssefs (Hadji and Safri) along with schemers Jamal Alioui and Tarik Chihab. Up front the likes of Raja Casablanca's Mustapha Bidoudane, Marouana Chammakh and the dangerous Jawad Ziari will be needed to do the damage.
Interestingly, this game pits two of the greatest African players of their generations, Chukwu and Zaki, against each others as coaches. So who wins this battle of wits? Stay tuned.
A Preview of Morocco
NICKNAME: The Atlas Lions
TOP CLUBS: Raja Casablanca, Royal Armed Forces, Wydad Casablanca
CAF RANKING: 6
PLAYERS TO WATCH: Khaled Fouhami, Nourredine Naybet, Youssef Safri
COACH: Badou Zaki
Regaining Lost glory
The Atlas lions, of Morocco, will be one of the most interesting nations to watch during ANC 2004. Through their rich Nations’ Cup history and proud African football tradition, the Atlas Lions have always teased with their great ability; and tugged at the heart. Yet their solitary African success remains their mad dash to glory, in 1976. After that first round exit in Mali two years ago, Morocco's line-up has a rejuvenated look to it, thanks to coach Badou Zaki's extensive travels in Europe in search of new talent. Moroccan coach Badou Zaki was the 1986 African Footballer of the Year.
Two years back, in Mali 2002, the Atlas Lions fell short of that goal. The Atlas Lions are keen to avoid a repeat of Mali 2002 where they played well below par and finished third in their group. The litmus test will be the two group ties against South Africa and Nigeria. The Moroccans are really going to have to be on top of their game to get out of the 'group of death'.
It was the football of the past, when goals were easier to come by. Exciting, brash and without restriction. Yet, the realities of the modern game, with its emphasis on defensive organisation, couldn’t be escaped. In the last two nations cup, it has not been up to the level expected of Morocco. In 2000, after Beating Congo 1-0, drawing with Tunisia 0-0, and losing 2-0 to hosts Nigeria, they did not make it out of the group. There was going to be another retry in Mali 2002 when they had a go again. This time the same thing happened, after drawing 0-0 with Ghana, Beating Burkina Faso 2-1 and losing 3-1 to South Africa. They ended up 3rd in the group for a second consecutive time.
There is no question that Jawad Zairi is one of the stars of this team. His passing game and creativity set him apart. His ability to produce surprises at the right time is an outstanding feature of the Moroccan side. Noureddine Naybet, the team's veteran skipper, is facing his last Nations Cup and will be summoning up all his strength for a stirring finale. His presence in defence is a reassuring sight for Moroccan fans that are also used to the Spain-based defender's frequent ventures into attack. Naybet's perfect timing and outstanding reading of the game make him one of the best defenders ever produced by Africa. Youssef Safri may only be playing in England's first division but he remains a key component of the Moroccan team. He is a defensive, ball-winning type of midfielder who joined Coventry City from Raja Casablanca in August 2001.
IN AN A CONTINENT AWASH WITH LIONS - THE ATLAS VERSION WILL WANT TO DO MORE THAN ROAR IN TUNISA
This could turn out to be the most interesting Nations cup ever. Since no team can be called the underdog because every team in the competition is a possible winner. Even if they do not win, they are all considered as winner because getting to this point is not easy, as long as you have qualified for the Nations cup, you are worth calling a winner.
Egypt, Morocco, Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa, Cameroon and Tunisia would be regarded as favourites to win the cup, but only time would tell. Can The Super Eagles of Nigeria conquer Africa again or Can Cameroon make it 3 titles in a row or can Morocco prove to everyone that they should not be taken for granted. Let us see.
'Could do better' has been the end-of-tournament report for the Atlas Lions since their 1976 triumph. This team, though, is different. Zaki has instilled a new competitive edge and efficiency into his blend of experienced professionals and talented youngsters. Watch out for them in this year's African Nations cup. Good luck to Morocco and every other teams playing in the Nations cup.
THE ROAD TO TUNISIA:
Sep 07 02
Gabon vs Morocco 0-1
Oct 13 02
Morocco vs Equatorial Guinea 5-0
Mar 29 03
Sierra Leone vs Morocco 0-0
Jun 07 03
Morocco vs Sierra Leone 1-0
Jun 20 03
Morocco vs Gabon 2-0
Jul 06 03
Equatorial Guinea vs Morocco 0-1
SQUAD LIST:
Goalkeepers:
Khalid Fouhami (Academica Coimbra, Portugal)
Nadir Lamyaghri (Wydad Casablanca)
Tarik Jermouni (Royal Armed Forces)
Defenders:
Noureddine Naybet (Deportivo Coruna, Spain)
Abdeslam Ouaddou (Rennes, France)
Talal El Karkouri (Paris St Germain, France)
Walid Regragui (AC Ajaccio, France)
Akram Roumani (Racing Genk, Belgium)
Midfielders:
Hassan Alla (MCO Oujda)
Jamal Alioui (Perugia, Italy)
Mourad Hdioued (Litex Lovech, Bulgaria)
Youssef Safri (Coventry, England)
Youssef Hadji (Bastia, France)
Houcine Kharja (Ternana, Italy)
Abdelkrim Kaissi (Rubin Kazan, Russia)
Tarik Chihab (Zurich, Switzerland)
Forwards:
Mustapha Bidoudane (Raja Casablanca)
Nabil Baha (Naval Maio, Portugal)
Marouane Chammakh (Girondins Bordeaux, France)
Jawad Zairi (Sochaux, France)
Mohamed Yaacoubi (Osasuna, Spain)
Youssef Mokhtari (Wacker Burghausen, Germany)
CONTRIBUTING EDITOR - PERON33UK [/b]
A Preview of Nigeria
THE NIGERIA FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION
NICKNAME:Super Eagles
TOP CLUBS: Enyimba, Rangers,Julius Berger,
CAF RANKING: 4
PLAYERS TO WATCH: Austin Okocha, Joseph Yobo, Julius Aghahowa
COACH: Christian Chukwu
TURNING BACK THE CLOCK
Nigeria will be banking on a repeat of history, as their quest to lift the continent’s ultimate prize – The African Cup of Nations – begins in Tunisia. A decade ago, at the same venue, The Super Eagles bested all comers in a breathtaking jaunt to the African Crown. It was a seminal moment for Africa’s most populous country, what with her 2nd African title and the continent agog with praise for the Stephen Keshi captained side. However, ten years on, The Super Eagles are a team beset by questions, and whether the success of 1994 can be rekindled amidst these questions begs an answer.
To begin with, for the first time in recent memory, the Super Eagles will not be prohibitive favourites to win the cup. Part of the reason for this is because of the departure of many of the players who held sway in the Nigerian side for most of the last decade. Gone are the likes of Finidi George, Sunday Oliseh, Emmanuel Amunike, Okechukwu Uche, Victor Ikpeba, Mutiu Adepoju, Daniel Amokachi and the great ‘goals-father’ Rashidi Yekini who inspired an equal amount of fear and respect from Nigeria’s opposition around the continent; and who brought unprecedented laurels to Nigeria. Indeed, from the side that lifted the African Nations Cup in 1994, only team captain Austin Okocha remains; while from the side that went on to grab the gold medal at the Olympic Games 2 years later, only the quartet of Okocha, Nwankwo Kanu, Garba Lawal and Celestine Babayaro are still on the team (Note that Taribo West would have made the squad but for injury). Thus the task of defending Nigeria’s honour and leading her to glory will largely fall on players, who though unquestionably talented, are yet to prove that they have the stuff of champions.
If there is another reason for Nigeria’s slightly diminished rating among African football pundits, it is that for all intents and purposes The Super Eagles have no substantive team. Indeed, a review of the teams that have filed out for Nigeria over the past couple of years reveals a mishmash of team lists, lineups and players used, as coach Christian Chukwu has sought to rebuild and refurbish the national team with new blood. However, while Chukwu may have successfully achieved his goal of grooming and shining the spotlight on many of Nigeria’s next generation stars, the task of gelling individual players into a solid team that works as one unit has been given short shrift. And the African Nations Cup proper is a difficult place to be finding out just how effectively a team functions as a unit, particularly when considering Nigeria’s group where difficult games against Morocco, South Africa and Benin lie ahead; as well as the fact that her principal rivals, Cameroon, Senegal and hosts Tunisia are not burdened with such a problem.
Of course it has not helped that coach Christian Chukwu’s program for the Nations Cup has been stunted by three events. First, there was the newly appointed Minister of Sports in Nigeria, Col. Musa Mohammed who waded in with an order to suspend all Super Eagles friendly matches, in the wake of some haphazardly arranged friendlies over the summer. The intentions of the Minister may, no doubt, have been honorable, but the end result has been that it prevented Chukwu from having the opportunity to put the final pieces of his rebuilding puzzle together – with the Super Eagles inactive since August. Then there was the whole chaotic episode that involved Nigeria’s wooing of former England captain Brian Robson to coach the national team, that left Chukwu and his staff in limbo for the better part of three months. To crown it all, the usual club versus country rows that traditionally surround preparations for the African Nations Cup have been a disruption to Nigeria’s pre-tournament training camp and build-up in Portugal, particularly with respect to the England based players with the likes of Kanu and Okocha notably absent.
"PUT UP OR SHUT UP " - ANYTHING LESS THAN A TOTAL VICTORY IN TUNISIA WILL BE CONSIDERED A FLOP IN NIGERIA
Despite these problems, the prospects for Nigeria heading into the tournament cannot be undersold. For one, the Super Eagles always seem to get it together at the Nations Cup once the whistle blows. Since 1984, Nigeria has medalled in every Nations Cup tournament in which she has participated – a record unmatched by any of her competitors. Secondly, Nigeria remains as talented a team as there is on the African continent. Without a doubt, any assessment of Nigeria’s squad for the Nations’ Cup will arrive at the same conclusion: that Nigeria may be loaded with as much talent as ever. And that Chukwu will have plenty of ingredients to work with as he searches for a winning formula.
For starters, there is the irrepressible duo of Austin ‘Jay Jay’ Okocha and Nwankwo Kanu, upon whose shoulders much expectations rest. Okocha in particular has been in outstanding form at English club Bolton, transforming them from relegation bound bottom dwellers to a respectable mid-table side. And Nigerians will be hoping that he can overcome recent financial distractions to exhibit the same form that has earned him much consideration for the African Footballer of the Year award. Kanu will, meanwhile, be seeking to finally break his ignominious record of failing to score in two previous trips to the Nations Cup.
Beyond the charismatic duo of Kanu and Okocha, Nigeria is also blessed with a group of super talented young veterans all of whom have come into their own as internationals over the past few years. In defense, there is the duo of Joseph Yobo and Isaac Okoronkwo who’s form will be critical following the absence of Taribo West due to injury. There is also wing-back Ifeanyi Udeze who’s overlapping runs caught the eye two years ago in Mali. While the attack boasts the presence of the trio of Victor Agali, Julius Aghahowa and Yakubu Aiyegbeni, all Mali 2002 vets. Aghahowa, in particular, is the one to watch. Brought into the Super Eagles at the Nations Cup in 2000, he has blossomed into one of the truly feared strikers on the continent. And his penchant for late game heroics and dazzling goal celebrations remains one of the delights of the African game.
Nigeria also has quite a handful of newcomers to the African Nations Cup who will be expected to make an impact. In attack there is the versatile John Utaka, the Lens based hitman who can fulfill any attacking role envisioned. Then there is the duo of Pius Ikedia and Osaze Odemwegie two attacking midfielders with much promise. Ikedia was Nigeria’s best player at the World Youth Tournament in 1999, but for all his mesmerizing skills, he has only flattered to deceive, up to this point, and will be hoping to finally cement his status on the Super Eagles with his performance in Tunisia. Osaze, on the other hand was brought into the team by erstwhile coach Adegboye Onigbinde. A mercurial talent who plays a cerebral game, he finally appears set to cash in on his vast potential.
Other newcomers that could prove to be important reside in midfield and in defense. In midfield, the duo of Ifeanyi Ekwueme and Seyi Olofinjana seem primed to make a name for themselves. While in defense, the trio of Romanus Orjinta, Joseph Enakarhire and George Abbey will have to prove that they can step up to the big time. Abbey is the only pure right back on the squad, Orjinta could be called into service in central defense if the pair of Yobo and Okoronkwo get injured or pick up cautions, while the talented Enakarhire is one whom Nigerians pundits have been touting as The Super Eagles next top class defender - a tag that he may have to live up to in Tunisia.
Goalkeeping, however could be an issue for Nigeria as there appears to be insufficient experience here. In the trio of Vincent Enyeama, Greg Etafia and Austin Ejide The Super Eagles have 3 young and talented goalkeepers, all of whom are long on potential but short on top class experience. Quite notably Enyeama and Ejide were both African Club Cup winners in the Champions and Winners Cup respectively. While Etafia was Nigeria's goalie at the Sydney Olympics in 2000. Enyeama also saw some action at the 2002 World Cup so they are not complete greenhorns. However, in the absence of the retired Ike Shoronmu, at least one of them will have to step up to the occasion if Nigeria hopes to progress beyond the quaterfinals where a potential mouth watering encounter with Cameroon or Egypt looms.
Over all, there can be no question that the Super Eagles are as talented as ever. However, whether that talent will allow them to overcome the various hiccups that have characterized their run-up to the 2004 African Cup of Nations remains a question and will be found out, one way or the other once hostilities commence and the first ball is kicked with gusto. From the shores of Lagos, to the Niger Delta, and across the Nigerian landscape, Nigerians will be huddled around their television sets in the hopes that a return to Tunisia portends a positive answer to this question. Ten years ago a jubilant Stephen Keshi raised the continents most coveted cup to the high heavens in euphoric celebration. This time around, Nigerians are again hoping for nothing less than to be sipping from the cup of victory.
THE ROAD TO TUNISIA:
Sep 8 02
Angola vs Nigeria 0-0
Mar 29 03
Malawi vs Nigeria 0-1
Jun 7 03
Nigeria vs Malawi 4-1
Jun 21 03
Nigeria vs Angola 2-2
SQUAD LIST:
Goalkeepers
Vincent Enyeama (Enyimba)
Greg Etafia (Moroka Swallows, South Africa)
Austin Ejide (Etoile Sahel, Tunisia)
Defenders
Joseph Enakarhire (Standard Liege, Belgium)
George Abbey (Macclesfield, England)
Joseph Yobo (Everton, England)
Isaac Okoronkwo (Wolverhampton Wanderers, England)
Ifeanyi Udeze (PAOK Salonika, Greece)
Romanus Orjinta (Enyimba)
Celestine Babayaro (Chelsea, England)
Midfielders
Austin Okocha (Bolton Wanderers, England)
Ikpe Ekong (Reggiana, Italy)
Seyi Olofinjana (Brann Bergen, Norway)
Garba Lawal (unattached)
Pius Ikedia (Groningen, Netherlands)
Ifeanyi Ekwueme (Wisla Plock, Poland)
Osaze Odemwingie (La Louviere, Belgium)
Forwards
John Utaka (RC Lens, France)
Julius Aghahowa (Shakhtar Donetsk, Ukraine)
Yakubu Aiyegbeni (Portsmouth, England)
Victor Agali (Schalke 04, Germany)
Nwankwo Kanu (Arsenal, England)
CONTRIBUTING EDITOR- MYSTIC
http://www.cybereagles.co.uk/news/default.asp?id=722
Nigeria and Morocco will be at daggers drawn as the Super Eagles of Nigeria open up their Nations Cup conquest. In what promises to be a scintillating encounter, much will be at stake as the winner of this battle of Group D favorites will walk away with three points to stoke their Cup winning ambitions, while the loser will be forced to go back to the drawing board.
The two teams last met at the Nations Cup four year ago in Lagos, during another tense 'group of death' skirmish with the Super Eagles bagging a 2-0 victory. Morocco will be expected to put up a better fight this time. Possessing a young, but rising squad Morocco coach Badou Zaki will hope that a victory over Nigeria will provide the tonic that his team needs to spur them onto greater heights. On the flip side of the coin Zaki's opposite number, coach Christian Chukwu, who's team is also replete with youngsters (majority of the squad has 1 Nations Cup experience or less), will not want his charges to stumble at the hurdle.
The Super Eagles will largely depend on the experience of Nwankwo Kanu and Austin Okocha to set up goal scorers like Julius Aghahowa, Yakubu Aiyegbeni and John Utaka in attack. While Joseph Yobo, Isaac Okoronkwo and Chelsea's Celestine Babayaro will be expected to handle the rearguard.
Morocco will be stout in defense and very organised in midfield. All time African great Nourredine Naybet and Talal El Karkouris form a rock solid partnership at the back, while the midfield should be aptly marshalled by the likes of the twin Youssefs (Hadji and Safri) along with schemers Jamal Alioui and Tarik Chihab. Up front the likes of Raja Casablanca's Mustapha Bidoudane, Marouana Chammakh and the dangerous Jawad Ziari will be needed to do the damage.
Interestingly, this game pits two of the greatest African players of their generations, Chukwu and Zaki, against each others as coaches. So who wins this battle of wits? Stay tuned.
A Preview of Morocco
NICKNAME: The Atlas Lions
TOP CLUBS: Raja Casablanca, Royal Armed Forces, Wydad Casablanca
CAF RANKING: 6
PLAYERS TO WATCH: Khaled Fouhami, Nourredine Naybet, Youssef Safri
COACH: Badou Zaki
Regaining Lost glory
The Atlas lions, of Morocco, will be one of the most interesting nations to watch during ANC 2004. Through their rich Nations’ Cup history and proud African football tradition, the Atlas Lions have always teased with their great ability; and tugged at the heart. Yet their solitary African success remains their mad dash to glory, in 1976. After that first round exit in Mali two years ago, Morocco's line-up has a rejuvenated look to it, thanks to coach Badou Zaki's extensive travels in Europe in search of new talent. Moroccan coach Badou Zaki was the 1986 African Footballer of the Year.
Two years back, in Mali 2002, the Atlas Lions fell short of that goal. The Atlas Lions are keen to avoid a repeat of Mali 2002 where they played well below par and finished third in their group. The litmus test will be the two group ties against South Africa and Nigeria. The Moroccans are really going to have to be on top of their game to get out of the 'group of death'.
It was the football of the past, when goals were easier to come by. Exciting, brash and without restriction. Yet, the realities of the modern game, with its emphasis on defensive organisation, couldn’t be escaped. In the last two nations cup, it has not been up to the level expected of Morocco. In 2000, after Beating Congo 1-0, drawing with Tunisia 0-0, and losing 2-0 to hosts Nigeria, they did not make it out of the group. There was going to be another retry in Mali 2002 when they had a go again. This time the same thing happened, after drawing 0-0 with Ghana, Beating Burkina Faso 2-1 and losing 3-1 to South Africa. They ended up 3rd in the group for a second consecutive time.
There is no question that Jawad Zairi is one of the stars of this team. His passing game and creativity set him apart. His ability to produce surprises at the right time is an outstanding feature of the Moroccan side. Noureddine Naybet, the team's veteran skipper, is facing his last Nations Cup and will be summoning up all his strength for a stirring finale. His presence in defence is a reassuring sight for Moroccan fans that are also used to the Spain-based defender's frequent ventures into attack. Naybet's perfect timing and outstanding reading of the game make him one of the best defenders ever produced by Africa. Youssef Safri may only be playing in England's first division but he remains a key component of the Moroccan team. He is a defensive, ball-winning type of midfielder who joined Coventry City from Raja Casablanca in August 2001.
IN AN A CONTINENT AWASH WITH LIONS - THE ATLAS VERSION WILL WANT TO DO MORE THAN ROAR IN TUNISA
This could turn out to be the most interesting Nations cup ever. Since no team can be called the underdog because every team in the competition is a possible winner. Even if they do not win, they are all considered as winner because getting to this point is not easy, as long as you have qualified for the Nations cup, you are worth calling a winner.
Egypt, Morocco, Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa, Cameroon and Tunisia would be regarded as favourites to win the cup, but only time would tell. Can The Super Eagles of Nigeria conquer Africa again or Can Cameroon make it 3 titles in a row or can Morocco prove to everyone that they should not be taken for granted. Let us see.
'Could do better' has been the end-of-tournament report for the Atlas Lions since their 1976 triumph. This team, though, is different. Zaki has instilled a new competitive edge and efficiency into his blend of experienced professionals and talented youngsters. Watch out for them in this year's African Nations cup. Good luck to Morocco and every other teams playing in the Nations cup.
THE ROAD TO TUNISIA:
Sep 07 02
Gabon vs Morocco 0-1
Oct 13 02
Morocco vs Equatorial Guinea 5-0
Mar 29 03
Sierra Leone vs Morocco 0-0
Jun 07 03
Morocco vs Sierra Leone 1-0
Jun 20 03
Morocco vs Gabon 2-0
Jul 06 03
Equatorial Guinea vs Morocco 0-1
SQUAD LIST:
Goalkeepers:
Khalid Fouhami (Academica Coimbra, Portugal)
Nadir Lamyaghri (Wydad Casablanca)
Tarik Jermouni (Royal Armed Forces)
Defenders:
Noureddine Naybet (Deportivo Coruna, Spain)
Abdeslam Ouaddou (Rennes, France)
Talal El Karkouri (Paris St Germain, France)
Walid Regragui (AC Ajaccio, France)
Akram Roumani (Racing Genk, Belgium)
Midfielders:
Hassan Alla (MCO Oujda)
Jamal Alioui (Perugia, Italy)
Mourad Hdioued (Litex Lovech, Bulgaria)
Youssef Safri (Coventry, England)
Youssef Hadji (Bastia, France)
Houcine Kharja (Ternana, Italy)
Abdelkrim Kaissi (Rubin Kazan, Russia)
Tarik Chihab (Zurich, Switzerland)
Forwards:
Mustapha Bidoudane (Raja Casablanca)
Nabil Baha (Naval Maio, Portugal)
Marouane Chammakh (Girondins Bordeaux, France)
Jawad Zairi (Sochaux, France)
Mohamed Yaacoubi (Osasuna, Spain)
Youssef Mokhtari (Wacker Burghausen, Germany)
CONTRIBUTING EDITOR - PERON33UK [/b]
A Preview of Nigeria
THE NIGERIA FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION
NICKNAME:Super Eagles
TOP CLUBS: Enyimba, Rangers,Julius Berger,
CAF RANKING: 4
PLAYERS TO WATCH: Austin Okocha, Joseph Yobo, Julius Aghahowa
COACH: Christian Chukwu
TURNING BACK THE CLOCK
Nigeria will be banking on a repeat of history, as their quest to lift the continent’s ultimate prize – The African Cup of Nations – begins in Tunisia. A decade ago, at the same venue, The Super Eagles bested all comers in a breathtaking jaunt to the African Crown. It was a seminal moment for Africa’s most populous country, what with her 2nd African title and the continent agog with praise for the Stephen Keshi captained side. However, ten years on, The Super Eagles are a team beset by questions, and whether the success of 1994 can be rekindled amidst these questions begs an answer.
To begin with, for the first time in recent memory, the Super Eagles will not be prohibitive favourites to win the cup. Part of the reason for this is because of the departure of many of the players who held sway in the Nigerian side for most of the last decade. Gone are the likes of Finidi George, Sunday Oliseh, Emmanuel Amunike, Okechukwu Uche, Victor Ikpeba, Mutiu Adepoju, Daniel Amokachi and the great ‘goals-father’ Rashidi Yekini who inspired an equal amount of fear and respect from Nigeria’s opposition around the continent; and who brought unprecedented laurels to Nigeria. Indeed, from the side that lifted the African Nations Cup in 1994, only team captain Austin Okocha remains; while from the side that went on to grab the gold medal at the Olympic Games 2 years later, only the quartet of Okocha, Nwankwo Kanu, Garba Lawal and Celestine Babayaro are still on the team (Note that Taribo West would have made the squad but for injury). Thus the task of defending Nigeria’s honour and leading her to glory will largely fall on players, who though unquestionably talented, are yet to prove that they have the stuff of champions.
If there is another reason for Nigeria’s slightly diminished rating among African football pundits, it is that for all intents and purposes The Super Eagles have no substantive team. Indeed, a review of the teams that have filed out for Nigeria over the past couple of years reveals a mishmash of team lists, lineups and players used, as coach Christian Chukwu has sought to rebuild and refurbish the national team with new blood. However, while Chukwu may have successfully achieved his goal of grooming and shining the spotlight on many of Nigeria’s next generation stars, the task of gelling individual players into a solid team that works as one unit has been given short shrift. And the African Nations Cup proper is a difficult place to be finding out just how effectively a team functions as a unit, particularly when considering Nigeria’s group where difficult games against Morocco, South Africa and Benin lie ahead; as well as the fact that her principal rivals, Cameroon, Senegal and hosts Tunisia are not burdened with such a problem.
Of course it has not helped that coach Christian Chukwu’s program for the Nations Cup has been stunted by three events. First, there was the newly appointed Minister of Sports in Nigeria, Col. Musa Mohammed who waded in with an order to suspend all Super Eagles friendly matches, in the wake of some haphazardly arranged friendlies over the summer. The intentions of the Minister may, no doubt, have been honorable, but the end result has been that it prevented Chukwu from having the opportunity to put the final pieces of his rebuilding puzzle together – with the Super Eagles inactive since August. Then there was the whole chaotic episode that involved Nigeria’s wooing of former England captain Brian Robson to coach the national team, that left Chukwu and his staff in limbo for the better part of three months. To crown it all, the usual club versus country rows that traditionally surround preparations for the African Nations Cup have been a disruption to Nigeria’s pre-tournament training camp and build-up in Portugal, particularly with respect to the England based players with the likes of Kanu and Okocha notably absent.
"PUT UP OR SHUT UP " - ANYTHING LESS THAN A TOTAL VICTORY IN TUNISIA WILL BE CONSIDERED A FLOP IN NIGERIA
Despite these problems, the prospects for Nigeria heading into the tournament cannot be undersold. For one, the Super Eagles always seem to get it together at the Nations Cup once the whistle blows. Since 1984, Nigeria has medalled in every Nations Cup tournament in which she has participated – a record unmatched by any of her competitors. Secondly, Nigeria remains as talented a team as there is on the African continent. Without a doubt, any assessment of Nigeria’s squad for the Nations’ Cup will arrive at the same conclusion: that Nigeria may be loaded with as much talent as ever. And that Chukwu will have plenty of ingredients to work with as he searches for a winning formula.
For starters, there is the irrepressible duo of Austin ‘Jay Jay’ Okocha and Nwankwo Kanu, upon whose shoulders much expectations rest. Okocha in particular has been in outstanding form at English club Bolton, transforming them from relegation bound bottom dwellers to a respectable mid-table side. And Nigerians will be hoping that he can overcome recent financial distractions to exhibit the same form that has earned him much consideration for the African Footballer of the Year award. Kanu will, meanwhile, be seeking to finally break his ignominious record of failing to score in two previous trips to the Nations Cup.
Beyond the charismatic duo of Kanu and Okocha, Nigeria is also blessed with a group of super talented young veterans all of whom have come into their own as internationals over the past few years. In defense, there is the duo of Joseph Yobo and Isaac Okoronkwo who’s form will be critical following the absence of Taribo West due to injury. There is also wing-back Ifeanyi Udeze who’s overlapping runs caught the eye two years ago in Mali. While the attack boasts the presence of the trio of Victor Agali, Julius Aghahowa and Yakubu Aiyegbeni, all Mali 2002 vets. Aghahowa, in particular, is the one to watch. Brought into the Super Eagles at the Nations Cup in 2000, he has blossomed into one of the truly feared strikers on the continent. And his penchant for late game heroics and dazzling goal celebrations remains one of the delights of the African game.
Nigeria also has quite a handful of newcomers to the African Nations Cup who will be expected to make an impact. In attack there is the versatile John Utaka, the Lens based hitman who can fulfill any attacking role envisioned. Then there is the duo of Pius Ikedia and Osaze Odemwegie two attacking midfielders with much promise. Ikedia was Nigeria’s best player at the World Youth Tournament in 1999, but for all his mesmerizing skills, he has only flattered to deceive, up to this point, and will be hoping to finally cement his status on the Super Eagles with his performance in Tunisia. Osaze, on the other hand was brought into the team by erstwhile coach Adegboye Onigbinde. A mercurial talent who plays a cerebral game, he finally appears set to cash in on his vast potential.
Other newcomers that could prove to be important reside in midfield and in defense. In midfield, the duo of Ifeanyi Ekwueme and Seyi Olofinjana seem primed to make a name for themselves. While in defense, the trio of Romanus Orjinta, Joseph Enakarhire and George Abbey will have to prove that they can step up to the big time. Abbey is the only pure right back on the squad, Orjinta could be called into service in central defense if the pair of Yobo and Okoronkwo get injured or pick up cautions, while the talented Enakarhire is one whom Nigerians pundits have been touting as The Super Eagles next top class defender - a tag that he may have to live up to in Tunisia.
Goalkeeping, however could be an issue for Nigeria as there appears to be insufficient experience here. In the trio of Vincent Enyeama, Greg Etafia and Austin Ejide The Super Eagles have 3 young and talented goalkeepers, all of whom are long on potential but short on top class experience. Quite notably Enyeama and Ejide were both African Club Cup winners in the Champions and Winners Cup respectively. While Etafia was Nigeria's goalie at the Sydney Olympics in 2000. Enyeama also saw some action at the 2002 World Cup so they are not complete greenhorns. However, in the absence of the retired Ike Shoronmu, at least one of them will have to step up to the occasion if Nigeria hopes to progress beyond the quaterfinals where a potential mouth watering encounter with Cameroon or Egypt looms.
Over all, there can be no question that the Super Eagles are as talented as ever. However, whether that talent will allow them to overcome the various hiccups that have characterized their run-up to the 2004 African Cup of Nations remains a question and will be found out, one way or the other once hostilities commence and the first ball is kicked with gusto. From the shores of Lagos, to the Niger Delta, and across the Nigerian landscape, Nigerians will be huddled around their television sets in the hopes that a return to Tunisia portends a positive answer to this question. Ten years ago a jubilant Stephen Keshi raised the continents most coveted cup to the high heavens in euphoric celebration. This time around, Nigerians are again hoping for nothing less than to be sipping from the cup of victory.
THE ROAD TO TUNISIA:
Sep 8 02
Angola vs Nigeria 0-0
Mar 29 03
Malawi vs Nigeria 0-1
Jun 7 03
Nigeria vs Malawi 4-1
Jun 21 03
Nigeria vs Angola 2-2
SQUAD LIST:
Goalkeepers
Vincent Enyeama (Enyimba)
Greg Etafia (Moroka Swallows, South Africa)
Austin Ejide (Etoile Sahel, Tunisia)
Defenders
Joseph Enakarhire (Standard Liege, Belgium)
George Abbey (Macclesfield, England)
Joseph Yobo (Everton, England)
Isaac Okoronkwo (Wolverhampton Wanderers, England)
Ifeanyi Udeze (PAOK Salonika, Greece)
Romanus Orjinta (Enyimba)
Celestine Babayaro (Chelsea, England)
Midfielders
Austin Okocha (Bolton Wanderers, England)
Ikpe Ekong (Reggiana, Italy)
Seyi Olofinjana (Brann Bergen, Norway)
Garba Lawal (unattached)
Pius Ikedia (Groningen, Netherlands)
Ifeanyi Ekwueme (Wisla Plock, Poland)
Osaze Odemwingie (La Louviere, Belgium)
Forwards
John Utaka (RC Lens, France)
Julius Aghahowa (Shakhtar Donetsk, Ukraine)
Yakubu Aiyegbeni (Portsmouth, England)
Victor Agali (Schalke 04, Germany)
Nwankwo Kanu (Arsenal, England)
CONTRIBUTING EDITOR- MYSTIC
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ruff'n'tuff
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