The Sun News reports that fresh facts may have emerged on why the Super Eagles may miss the South Africa 2010 World Cup. Sunday SoccerStar’s investigation revealed that about 10 reasons might cost Nigeria another World Cup.
Abuja Stadium: The mere fact that Nigeria will play their home matches at the National Stadium, Abuja, calls for concern. Over the years, since the new National Stadium was inaugurated, Nigerian teams have always struggled to make it each time they play at the multi-billion naira project. To this end, the stadium might even be against Nigeria when Tunisia come calling.
Amodu factor: Coach Shaibu Amodu’s tactics are highly questionable, at least for now. For instance, his decision to play John Mikel Obi despite the fact that he reported sick calls for explanation. For instance, did he not make a change till about the 75th minute? Was he comfortable that Nigeria were playing a goalless draw against Mozambique? Even when he did, he brought in defenders when Eagles were searching for a goal.
Tunisia angle: Tunisia have shown that they are not prepared to let out point, if things go as they have started rolling on the first day of the qualifiers. A situation where the Reds got an away win in Kasarami against Kenya, while the Eagles struggled to get a draw is a point against Nigeria. Given Nigeria’s poor away records, there are fears that Tunisia may beat Nigeria in Tunis and pick an away draw in Abuja.
Fear of Mozambique: Following the 0-0 draw in Maputo on March 29, 2009, there are fears that the Mambas may, like Angola in 2006, come to Abuja to pull another draw, if this happens and Tunisia continues to win their games, then Eagles and Nigeria may watch the 2010 World Cup as spectators.
Battle of Kasarani: The last time Nigeria played a World Cup qualifier against Kenya in Kasarani for the France ’98, the Eagles looked ordinary and only Uche Okechukwu’s header gave the then Amodu-led side a 1-1 draw. That was when Nigeria had stars like Okocha, Oliseh, Taribo West, Chidi Nwanu, Amuneke, Amokachi and others. Now, the present Eagles are not as committed as the squad of the France ’98 qualifier. The fact remains that Kenya can also hold Nigeria again because it is another Kasarani battle.
Players attitude: It has been confirmed that the present Super Eagles’ team are not a committed side. They lack Nigeria’s never-say-die attitude, do not show enough commitment and hardly put up a brave fight when things are not going their way. With this type of unprofessional behaviour, it may be pretty difficult for Eagles to make it to South Africa.
Other reasons are poor preparation, NFF’s wrong approach to issues (eg the missing $236,000), fire brigade approach and poor team selection.
Source: The Sunnews
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