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I had to wait patiently for Coach Lars Lagerback to name his team to South Africa before making any comments. If I have disappointed you with my unusual inconsistency on this blog, I sincerely apologize particularly for my lack of coverage of our Super Eagles towards this World Cup. One of the most significant events that took place on our way to South Africa of course was the sack of Coach Ahmodu Shuaibu and the appointment of our Swede handler.

Having failed to convince Nigerians with his tactical choices in Angola, the knives were out for Ahmodu for the second time. What actually got most people infuriated with him was his choice of players for the tournament in Angola. He took almost ten unfit players to the ACN and we paid dearly for that as we were beaten by a fitter, more compact Ghana in the semi final.

Eventually, Lars took over and gave some of us hope that he would only select players that are active in their respective clubs for the national team. The only snag is that we do not have many of such performers. Most of our so called stars are in second rated teams in Europe and even at that do not play regularly. One can count on a hand the number of top rated Nigerian players based in Europe.

Our first choice at center back, Joseph Yobo is a bench warmer in Everton while his preferred partner, Daniel Shittu played only two games for Bolton Wanderers throughout the last Premiership season. With the erratic Taye Taiwo and flaccid Chidi Odiah at full backs, the story is not much brightened. Such is the level of our defense that one cannot but await with trepidation the much anticipated opening group match with Argentina.

There is no genuine play-maker in the team in the mould of Austin ‘Jay Jay’ Okocha. While many believe Mikel Obi would do a decent job, he’s played a defensive role all the while in Chelsea. Being our main player also is not a small thing for the former youth international. We can only hope he hit form for the Super Eagles at the right time.

With Dickson Etuhu, Haruna Lukman, Uche Kalu, Yusuff Ayila and Sanni Keita all defensive in outlook, Lagerback must have an ace up his sleeve by adding Kanu, Utaka and Ozaze to the mix. I really pray that the trio of Martins, Yakubu and Nsofor deliver the goals.

Additionally, our preparation for the competition has been far from ideal. Playing a very lackluster friendly match with Saudi Arabia, I’m sure that even Lars must have wondered aloud what he got himself into as our players ran aimlessly all over the pitch. There was no coordination neither was there any purpose in their approach. Some mischievously argued that they were just trying to be fit in a live match! The second friendly against Columbia was much better than the first and thereafter, Lagerback released his full list for the World Cup.

As far as ‘am concerned, he took our best players to the World Cup save for the inclusion of John Utaka. I would have preferred to have either Ike Uche or Anichebe in the squad. I was however informed by a reliable source that both players order are injured and would not be able to take part in the World Cup.

Now that we are done with the list of those to represent us, I believe the most critical thing to do now is to define what would be our tactical approach to our games bearing in mind the kinds of opponents we face. Unlike what some people believe, the World Cup is not for lazy crews of coaches and players. It has always been won by disciplined and prepared teams. Our technical crew and players must know this: They must be prepared to be focused to the end of each match; this is not negotiable.

Since the beginning of the World Cup, only seven teams have won it. Argentina, Brazil, England, France, Germany, Italy and Uruguay makes up this list. What this signifies is that this is the most competitive and glamorous football tournament in the universe and taking place every four years has ensured that we never get enough of it!

What would be our game plan? How are going to counter our oppositions and play to our strength? These and many more questions need answers and quick too. And looking at the composition of our team, it is indeed a herculean task deciphering what is likely to go down in our opening match against Argentina.

Welcome to the build up to the kick off and I promise to do a preview of our first match by Thursday next week. Watch out for it!

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