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It was only two years ago that gloom befell Nigeria after the Super Eagles failed to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations – a tournament they considered all but a birthright.Appointed to stop the rot, Stephen Keshi arrived with little fanfare but soon rid the team of difficult characters, rebuilding and populating the squad with players from the domestic league while swimming against the tide of his employers, the Nigeria Football Federation.
Once his side won the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations, Keshi gained cult status. Now he possesses a motivated side that gives their all. They stumbled a little in qualifying but there was never any doubt they’d make it.
The perception
A greedy bunch. Money-induced rows greatest contribution to major tournaments. Last year’s Confederations Cup was the most recent example: the squad refused to board a plane to Brazil until the government and Fifa intervened.
The reality
The Nigeria Football Federation have agreed a bonus structure and ensured excellent travel and lodgings. Unless senior players seek revenge for old grievances, it’s hard to see where any dissent will come from.
The masterplan
Keshi likes to deploy his side in a 4-3-3. With Ogenyi Onanzi in the role of midfield bodyguard, John Obi Mikel casts off his Stamford Bridge chains to pop up pretty much any where he pleases. The aim is to find striker Emmanuel Emenike either directly or via pacy wider men Ahmed Musa and Victor Moses.
Strength
Nigeria can be breathing when they break. What seems like aimless passing can quickly transform with a quick ball from Mikel to find the wide players and boom, their front men have the skills to get past defenders with a shimmy or through pace and power.
Weakness
For all their speed, the Nigerians can be slow in their build-up play. They struggle to break down teams that sit deep and are too dependent on Fenerbahce marksman Emenike for goals. But they do have Shola Ameobi.
Lessons from Qualifying
Staying mean. Nigeria do not concede many goals — only Spain have scored more than two against them. Recently Italy and Mexico, who scored twice conceded the same while Uruguay won 2-1. This is largely down to two great goalkeepers — although both have the odd blooper in them.
Verdict
The Super Eagles will be difficult to beat. Their mentality is strong, the squad is highly motivated and in Keshi they have a coach with real self-belief. The second round looks likely.
Key Player
Emmanuel Emenike goals will be key. Physical, skilled and lethal from both close range and distance, the striker was sorely missed for most of the qualifying campaign and at last year’s Confederations Cup.
Playing in Turkey has kept the 26-year-old under the radar somewhat but his ability is not in question.
Online Reporter