A Resurgent Nigeria
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After 14 years without a continental title, and having failed to deliver on the World Cup stage in that period Nigeria are hoping to build a team capable of dominating Africa and the World over the next three years, but is it too soon to suggest that the Super Eagles might be capable of winning the MTN Africa Cup of Nations in Ghana?
To find the last time that Nigeria were crowned Champions of Africa, one has to look back nearly 14 years to the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations finals in Tunisia where the Super Eagles defeated Zambia 2-1 to claim their second continental title.
Nigeria have, in many ways, been the perennial bridesmaids of the Nations Cup.
The have lost out in the final a record four times and made it to the semifinals no less than 12 times. Only Egypt, with 11 semifinal appearances, can compare to Nigeria’s consistent ability to make it to the sharp end of Africa’s showpiece tournament.
Yet, with merely two Nations Cup titles to their name, there seems to have been a kind of mental block with the West African powerhouse, an inability to finish off the job and deliver on their undoubted promise.
In terms of size, economy, population and political influence, Nigeria dwarfs their regional neighbours Ghana and Cameroon, yet both the Black Stars and the Indomitable Lions have won double the amount of Nations Cup titles as the Super Eagles. And that’s before we even get to Egypt’s five titles…
In the 2006 tournament Nigeria lost out to a Didier Drogba-inspired Cote d’Ivoire in the last four (the semifinal curse strikes again!), bit only after they struggled to an underwhelming penalty shootout win over an off-colour Tunisia in the quarterfinals.
But, with the MTN Africa Cup of Nations in Ghana drawing ever nearer, there is a quiet confidence in Nigeria that the Super Eagles will mount a serious challenge for glory in the back yard of their most bitter rivals.
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The chief example is Obafemi Martins, the prodigiously talented Newcastle United forward who has become a favourite of the St James Park faithful for his aggressive play and ability to score jaw-dropping goals.
His astonishing, highlight reel overhead kick against Bolton on the opening day of the English season was mere hint of what he is capable of, while the fact that he has been linked with Arsenal and, more recently, Manchester United is a sign that his stock is well and truly on the rise.
Then there is Nwankwo Kanu, the gangly-legged former Arsenal legend who has revived his career under the guidance of Harry Redknapp at unfashionable Portsmouth.
Kanu has never been a prolific scorer, but at Pompey he has weighed in with his fair share of goals while still offering that characteristic skilful wizardry that has made him such a popular entertainer wherever he has played.
Joining Kanu on England’s South coast is John Utaka and already the player, who moved from Racing Lens, is making a positive impression.
"He's got pace and power and looks a terrific signing,” said Redknapp after Utaka scored in Pompey’s recent win over Bolton.
"He was outstanding at Derby when he scored and very good again against [Manchester] United and today.”
Defender Joseph Yobo has been his usual reliable self for high-riding Everton and his teammate Victor Anichebe looks a promising and powerful centre forward who will only improve under the tutelage of David Moyes.
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But it is not just in England, where Nigerians are making waves. Getafe’s Ike Uche looks a hugely promising player in Spain’s La Liga and striker Mannaseh Ishiaku of MSV Duisburg is being tipped as the next big thing in Germany.
Chievo Verona’s Obinna Nsofor has long been admired by other Serie A clubs, particularly Fiorentina, while Taye Taiwo and Peter Odemwingie will hope for strong showings in France’s Ligue 1 with their respective clubs.
So Nigeria undoubtedly possess the quality and their players have the necessary form, but quite whether they have the ruthless streak needed to win a big tournament is something we will only know when the MTN Africa Cup of Nations nears its end in February next year.
But as far as Super Eagles fans are concerned, roll on Ghana 2008…
