After impressing on its way to the second round in each of its first two FIFA World Cup appearances, in 1994 and 1998, Nigeria has been struggling: going out at the group stage twice while taking just two points from its last six matches in the finals.
Amuddled South Africa 2010 campaign under Lars Lagerback did little to bolster Nigeria’s reputation, but Brazil 2014 offers another chance for the reigning African champions to soar.
Nigeria emerged top of its qualification group before beating Ethiopia 4-1 in a play-off.
Relying on its strength at the back with captain and goalkeeper, Vincent Enyeama, Nigeria also has striking force with forwards, Victor Moses and Peter Osaze Odemwingie.
And following the team’s 2-1 defeat in the hands of United States of America (U.S.) in its last friendly match before tomorrow’s Group F opener against Iran, Nigerians, especially football lovers, have called on the players to ensure they record outright victory against the Iranians, if they must qualify for the second round of the Mundial.
However, some decided to sit on the fence because of the calibre of players Stephen Keshi picked for the tournament.
Prior to the defeat suffered in the hands of U.S., Nigeria forced Scotland to a 2-2 draw and recorded a goalless draw against Mexico.
The country plays Iran tomorrow in Curitiba and TheNiche went out to find out the expectations of football loving Nigerians are on the match.
First to speak was analyst, Godwin Dudu-Orumen: “Honestly, I don’t discuss the Super Eagles as a team because I’m tired of repeating the same thing all the time.
“When Keshi was preparing the team for the Mundial, I gave him my contributions and also advised him on some certain areas which will be beneficial for him and the team.
“But since he decided to ignore my views on the team, I have since decided to sit on the fence and watch things unfold.
“For goodness sake, how can he (Keshi) take five midfield players who are defensive midfielders to the World Cup and only one natural attacker?
“There is technical deficiency in the team and I pray it does not affect the team when the Mundial begins.
“For now, I want to engage myself in the developmental programme of the under-age players and take interest in how they grow and fit into the national team than the present crop of Super Eagles.
“Some players are in Brazil with the team for no just reason. If they play well, good; and if not, good for them,” he said.
Ex-international, Taiwo Oloyede, called on the players to be more serious than ever and win the first match to boost their confidence ahead of subsequent matches.
He said: “It is going to be our first match and we must take it seriously. We’ve had enough preparations for the World Cup and we must go there to prove that we are real champions of Africa.
“The players must be very determined and put discipline as their watchword, just as they must put over-confidence behind them and work on the lapses noticed in the friendly matches played before the World Cup.
“With all these at the back of their minds, I want to believe that we can go in for the match and record victory. They should not be carried away with the 2-0 victory recorded by the Iranians over Trinidad and Tobago.”
Former secretary general of the then Nigeria Football Association (NFA) and later board member of the NFA, Taiwo Ogunjobi, expressed optimism that the Super Eagles will fly over the Iranians.
He said: “Though little is known of the Iranians, football has passed the age of underrating an opponent; as such, the Super Eagles should not go into the match underrating the Iranians.
“They can spring surprises and we must not allow them to catch us unawares. Having said that, our players must remain be focused and show the champions stuff.
“Being the first match of the country (in Brazil), the players must know that a victory will go a long way in boosting their morale and that means they must put in their best to get the victory. They should not see Iran as a non-football playing nation, but as a potential contender for the trophy.
“Finally, we must not use the result of the friendly matches to judge the two teams, especially the last matches. That Iran defeated Trinidad and Tobago does not mean that it will beat Nigeria.
“On the other hand, that the Super Eagles lost to U.S. in its last match does not mean that it will be defeated by the Iranians.
“The World Cup is a different ball game and we must put in our very best to ensure that we start the Mundial on a good note.”
Former Minister of Works, Senator Adeseye Ogunlewe, dismissed the fears that the Iranians would be a stumbling block to Nigeria’s progress at the World Cup.
The avid football lover said: “I agree that football is very funny and not mathematics, but then the World Cup is a big event which no football playing nation must take lightly.”
He also called on Nigerians not to use the friendly matches of the Super Eagles, especially the last one against U.S., to judge the team.
“Iran is not a football playing nation, and so I don’t see them as a problem for the Super Eagles of Nigeria. If the Super Eagles should play as a team, with determination and the zeal to excel, then Iran should fall in the match.
“The team lost the last friendly match against U.S., which was not good enough, but the players must not be judged with that result.
“Our players must, however, not take that for granted and fail to play their game, thus giving their opponents the avenue to exhibit their skills. They must go for the kill and get the three maximum points at stake,” he said.
He warned that anything short of victory would not be in the best interest of the country.
Former senior national team captain, Segun Odegbami, expressed confidence that the Super Eagles will soar high at the Mundial, but advised the team to start its campaign on a good note by winning the first match against Iran.
He said: “I like what I saw at the training ground, the hunger of the boys, the confidence they displayed and the way and manner the coaching crew conducted themselves. Something tells me history is in the making with this team. To achieve that history, they must start first on a good note, and that means they must go all out and ensure that they beat Iran on Monday.
“Victory in that match will spur them to do more, but most importantly, they must play as a team and put the interest of the country first. If they can do all these, I am sure they will excel at the Mundial and Nigerians will be happy for their feat.”