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Where Eagles Dare: Nigeria to establish WC credentials

| 29.04.2014
SPORTSBOOK ODDS

The Super Eagles are one of many teams eager to take flight to Brazil. Marshalled by their no-nonsense coach Stephen Keshi, they are on the hunt for glory, and are already circling their potential prey. Nigeria are a respectable 13/2 to reach the quarter-finals.

Standing in the way are Argentina, Bosnia & Herzegovina and Iran. Although they only lost 1-0 to the South Americans in the 2010 World Cup, La Albicaleste are an entirely different prospect, with a strike force that routinely scores for fun.

In a qualifying group which included Malawi, Kenya and Namibia, they topped their table with relative ease, before a comfortable two-leg play-off win against Ethiopia.

English-based duo John Obi Mikel (Chelsea) and Liverpool loanee Victor Moses are in line to feature, despite the latter finding it hard to become a regular in a Reds side that includes an attacking quartet of Luis Suarez, Daniel Sturridge, Raheem Sterling, and Philippe Coutinho. He is no doubt talented, and his pace could pose a threat on the counter attack. Although Mikel has been utilised tactically by Mourinho, playing in appropriate matches to repel certain opposition, he is regarded as fundamental to his country’s success where he plays further up the pitch.

Almost a folk hero at Newcastle, Shola Ameobi is a probable squad member, and although he struggles for goals definitely has the big game experience, and his physical presence proves consistently to be a handful for defenders.

The centre of midfield picks itself. Mikel, who is the heartbeat of the Nigeria side, should be joined by 21-year old Lazio player Ogenyi Onazi – regarded as vital to offering balance. Tough and industrious, he provides the battling element in an enforcer role.

Vincent Enyeama has established himself as one of the most respected goalkeepers in global football. He narrowly missed out on the record for consecutive clean sheets in Ligue 1 for club Lille earlier in the season; however he is an accomplished stopper. He has thwarted the likes of Radamel Falcao, and French international strikers Bafetimbi Gomis, and Andre-Pierre Gignac this term, and will relish the challenge of keeping out Lionel Messi, Sergio Aguero, and Edin Dzeko.

In front of Enyeama, the back four seems to pick itself. Despite a question mark hanging over Fenerbahce centre half Joseph Yobo (on loan at Norwich City);Elderson Echiejile, Efe Ambrose, Godfrey Oboabona, and Kenneth Omeruo have been mainstays in what has become a solid unit that only conceded three goals in their qualifying group. Two of these came in the away fixture against Kenya. Celtic’s Ambrose has had a fine season, helping his club to win the Scottish Premiership.

You would be forgiven for thinking Elderson is Brazilian, with the sound of his name, though this is a mere technicality. The Monaco defender could easily be a clone of legendary left back Roberto Carlos, who himself could often be seen marauding up and down the touchline for club and country. Perhaps the only difference; Elderson doesn’t have dynamite in his boots nor satellite navigation, though his fleet-footedness does bear a resemblance to the Brazilian samba.

Primed to do the business at the other end of the pitch is play-off hero, Emmanuel Emenike, whose goal proved crucial against Ethiopia in Addis Ababa. The Fenerbahce forward is blessed with blistering pace and is attracting the interest from a host of Premier League teams, having helped his club to the Turkish title, contributing a haul of 12 strikes.

Nigeria’s opening match against Iran kicks off on June 16th, and they are 5/1 with Coral to record a 1-0 victory, in what may prove to be a tight affair with both teams knowing this is a fixture they realistically need maximum points in.

Soaring out of the blocks could give Nigeria the momentum they need to qualify from their group. The Super Eagles can either take flight or fight.

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Author

Matt Haynes

A long-suffering Leeds fan, Matt studied Sports Journalism at university, and has a plethora of multi-industry experience. Having worked on behalf of multiple hedge funds and top-tier investment banks in executive search, he has also had a stint with the BBC and the Press Association. Outside of work, he pursues entrepreneurial activities and likes to keep fit.
Although he has interviewed current England manager Roy Hodgson as well as Rafa Benitez and a number of other names, he is honoured to have spent time in the company of Gordon Banks. Matt enjoys cultivating long-lasting professional and personal relationships, is solution orientated, and supports Coral’s sports content provision.