Nigeria, as usual, through the numerous unqualified and corrupt people in sport administration was brought into ridicule again. This time, it is the unmitigated corruption that has eaten deep into the fabrics of Nigerian Football Federation. Unraveling the way funds were appropriated in the past few months is now the preoccupation of  the EFCC.

While the World Cup was going on in South Africa with the Super Eagles performing woefully, the NFF officials were busy plotting how to remain in office and perpetuate the mediocrity that has become their lot in the recent past. Sanni Lulu and his co travelers knew that the time was up for them to put in the towel but they were not ready to do so. They however believe that they can go one better than their enemies by quickly arranging for another elections that would put them back in the saddle not mind the fact that there’s absolutely nothing to show for their years in office.

Towards this, they sponsored all the 36 states FA chairmen to South Africa to perfect their strategy. When the Sports Minister, Isa Bio got to know of the plan, he tried to stop the scheme by telling NFF to postpone the planned election. Lulu and his ‘people’ quickly reported to FIFA that government is interfering in football administration again! FIFA of course frowns at any kind of meddling in football administration due to the way politics is played all over the world. The organization warned Nigeria not to interfere in the election and to leave the NFF alone.

Thereafter, the Minister wrote a letter to FIFA concerning Nigeria’s determination to set her football right and craved the understanding of the world football body. The letter was however put aside with the organization reiterating the need for government to stay clear of the NFF. The only snag is that the NFF is pending tax payers’ money and with a ridiculous budget of N1.3 billion for the world cup alone, government could not afford to be looking the other way.

At the end of the day, Nigeria came back from the World Cup with only a point and lots of stories of internal wrangling, corruption etc. our performance was so bad that the President decided to do the unthinkable: ban the national team from FIFA competition for two years to enable ‘real’ changes to our sports administration. FIFA also threatened us and at the end of the day, the President rescinded his decision but not until the NFF quickly moved to impeach its president and two other people.

However there’s no real difference between the Lulu led NFF and the current one; they are all the same. For a real change to come to football administration in Nigeria, we must borrow a leaf from Ghana and see how they have quietly, yet efficiently re-engineered the game in that country. We cannot be different from other countries that allow their football to be administered by competent people rather than a bunch of politicians and civil servants who see nothing wrong in poverty of ideas, no initiatives, poor planning and lack of goals.

What most of them are concerned with is how to loot, share money and collect estacodes for their numerous mindless and unnecessary trips. How do we hope to achieve anything tangible with this kind of people? The truth of the matter is that our football administration needs a total turnaround and the only way this would be achieved is to allow competent and selfless people to occupy the Glass House.

People who have the knowledge of modern football administration and could prove their success and absolute competency in their areas of endeavours should be allowed to contest election into the federation. Enough of political jobbers and appointees who have no inkling of what the game is all about save that it is played by eleven men per side and on a green field!

The world cup has come and gone and Africa can hold her head high in esteem for a job well done through one of her numerous children, South Africa. Personally, ‘am so proud of the achievement of that country that I can’t help but be envious of what they accomplished. The same South Africa that was enmeshed in racial tensions of the highest order; renowned for apartheid and political assassinations and killings have become the toast of the modern world by positively projecting everything that’s good about development and empowerment.

Within a month, the country passed in flying colours all the exams that were set for it and everyone associated with the hosting of the world cup can be proud of the eventual turn out of events. The Local Organizing Committee headed by Danny Jordan and Irvin Khoza did a great job of pulling off arguably the most exciting FIFA world cup to date. Where there’s a will, there’s a way. The South African people demonstrated the highest level of patriotism and hospitality that could be expected of them. It was a wonderful experience all through.

Records were broken as first the first time in the competition’s history, a team that lost its opening match won the title in a most dramatic manner. It was also the first to be organized of the African continent. It had the highest collection of stars in attendance from the likes of home girl Charlize Theron to Leonardo di’Caprio, Tom Cruise, John Travolta etc. World leaders were not left out as my favourite; Angela Merkel of Germany graced us with her presence during the match between her country and Argentina.

While the echo of this tournament will continue to reverberate in the next few years and through history; the impact to South Africa and her citizens would be forever. The sheer magnitude of the infrastructures provided for the tournament is enough to justify the hosting. I was simply blown away when the light rail launched just in time for the kick off began operations. For me, that was the highlight of the whole competition!

Just a week into the competition, South African Finance Minister was already reeling out figures of the amount spent through Visa card alone. He pointed out the fact that the economy was already benefiting tremendously from the influx of foreigners to the country. Most significantly, over a million people came into South Africa during the duration of the World Cup and you can bet that at least 20% of those people would come back in the future. This is how countries set out to greatness by positive enhancement.

The types of infrastructures in place have not only enhanced the reputation of the country all over the world but will also improve the standard of living of the citizens. From Polokwane to Bloemfontaine, Pretoria to Port Elizabeth, Rustenburg to Nelspruit, Cape Town, to Durban to Johannesburg, the whole country was carefully covered to ensure even distribution of development and world cup experience. It was a well thought out plan that paid off and will continue to do so well into the future.

South Africa has shown the way in one way or the other to the rest of us that Africa is not a hopeless situation. What is needed is the right leadership. A leadership that is committed to national and not personal goal is what the rest of Africa need. The crust of the matter is that development is not an exclusive preserve of the Western world. It takes only a second look at the last world cup to note this.

Unlike Nigeria where anything organized by the government is seen by many as an avenue to loot and siphon public funds, proper accounts are being rendered in South Africa and the picture of went down is becoming clear to all. As at today, the benefit of the past events organized in Nigeria are yet to be ascertained, that is; nothing to show.

It is about time that we set out in Nigeria to do the right thing in the right manner and at the right time. If we continue with our current ways, it will not be long before we are permanently enthroned as the king of jesters all over the world. I join millions of my compatriots to say ‘enough is indeed enough’.

Since the first blast of the whistle, South Africa 2010 FIFA World Cup’s been a wonderful sight to behold. From the colourful South African supporters to the unceasing sound (more aptly noise) of the Vuvuzela to the breathtaking displays and goals scored; it’s been quite rewarding partaking of it all. Nevertheless and without sounding sore or angry, Super Eagles performance was an anticlimax! They played like a bunch of drunks who lack stamina to arrive at their destination.

As usual in any endeavour despite our failure to excel, football continues. Other serious and more prepared teams have moved on while like our undisciplined European ‘brothers’, France and Italy, we crashed out in the in the group stage. The only standout player for Nigeria was Vincent Enyeama who, I should quickly add should be our new captain. I don’t think anyone can contest this except of course we are determined to continue on a path of stagnation in our football.

Nigeria had other standout performers but in a negative way. Yakubu for instance missed a goal that my three years old son would definitely put away! Secondly, Sanni Kaita showed a serious lack of class by lashing out at another player over a simple throw-in. We led at that time and if the lad had not gone overboard to collect that card, we could have beaten the Greeks. Did I hear you say ‘not likely’? Well with the benefit of hindsight, I’d be quick to agree with you. It’s been a roller coaster indeed!

Now I have been pretty impressed with the Black Stars of Ghana. They have indeed shone like very bright stars and having become the only third African country to have reached the quarterfinals of the World Cup, one must be excused for purring over their performance so far. And they didn’t play in an easy group too as they had to contend with a vastly experienced Australian and Serbian team. They could have put Germany to bed had they within them another Asamoah Gyan who’s been shouldering all the goal scoring burden of the team.

Taking a good look at most of the teams that came to this tournament, Ghana and Germany are tops in the area of infusion of youth into the national set up. A sincere confession gentlemen; I’m very envious of Ghana football at the moment. Take a look at the names: Kwadwo Asamoah, Addiyah, Dede Ayew, Prince Boateng, Annan, Jonathan etc. these guys are in their 21s to 22s and playing like veterans. Ayew for me is the pick of the pack; I mean the young man is nerveless. He’s been playing like a real champion and ‘am sure his dad must be very proud.

I love the fact that their Serbian coach is not afraid of utilizing the youth in his team. More than ever, he exposed the weakness of the arrogant and almost uncontrollable Sulley Muntari by consistently starting Kwadwo Asamoah. Unlike Nigeria that had only Lukman Haruna and maybe Enyeama as good prospects for the future, Ghana can look ahead with great enthusiasm. Their future indeed is bright.

The exploits of the very young German team is another thing entirely. What with the manner of their defeat of England in the round of 16. The likes of Mesut Ozil, Muller, Sammi Khedira, Anne Friedrich, Marko Marin, Badstuber etc have light the World Cup in South Africa. Is it possible to forget left foot volley from Mesut against Ghana or the blistering counter attack that ripped open England’s defense like a hot knife through butter?

Some beautiful goals have been scored at this tournament. From the unbelievable strike by Maicon against the North Koreans to the trail blazers from Tshabalala and Carlos Tervez to the impossible curler from Luiz Suarez. SA 2010’s been full of quality goals. We’ve had some howlers too thanks to Jahbulani!

Robert Green in particular would be very cross with the nature of the ‘treacherous’ official ball for this World Cup. I mean the poor guy lost his place to James due to a blooper! Richard Kingson and Vincent Enyeama for all their heroism got their nose bloodied by Jahbulani. I must test that ball to find out if it indeed travels as fast as we’ve seen on TV; believe me, I could shoot too! LOL.

We are down to eight teams and the list is very impressive. Apart from the aged Azzuris, lackluster France, unreliable England and defensive Portugal that have been ousted, the world’s top teams are still alive and kicking in the country of Mandela. Argentina, Brazil, Germany, Holland and Spain are still holding forth as they play in the quarterfinals. This is the business end and only the gritty, classy and determined move on.

Brazil is up against Holland, Argentina confronts Germany, Uruguay faces Ghana (history in the making) and Spain goes for broke against Paraguay. These are interesting match ups and I think only Spain can smile and say they have one leg in the next round; it’s as tight as this! We are in for a time of our lives and I know that I won’t miss the spectacle that’s set to continue within the next few days. Welcome on board gentlemen and Ke naa ko!

Having failed in my last two estimations of the Super Eagles, I found it very hard to even give a title to this piece. With the hope of qualifying for the second round hanging on a thread, we are back on a familiar turf of looking up to others to do us a favour. How nice to always put our fate in the hands of others!

The performance of the team against Greece according to many is just a fair reflection of the Nation at large. We are faced with serious developmental challenges and all our legislators could do is to ask, seek, demand and scheme to have their allowances increased by 100% even when there’s no justification whatsoever for the kind of salaries they currently earn. The same is true of the Super Eagles who are among the most motivated teams at this World Cup and yet we do not even have a point to show for it!

I have expressed my views in the past of what makes a good national team. These includes form, determination, discipline, focus, dedication, commitment, sacrifice, humility etc. Our present team as composed is lacking in most if not all of the above. The attitude of an average Nigerian player is that of a demi god. They feel we owe them the world for representing their fatherland. Even when they fail woefully, they lack the decorum to offer simple apology and improve in subsequent games.

Many times in the past, we have had to hold our breath hoping for the best. We are back on track waiting for Argentina to defeat Greece while hoping (wishing more like) that our disjointed and average team beat the Koreans by at least two goals. I dare say that if this indeed happens, we can only be called the ‘luckiest’ team in the world. Having failed to beat Tunisia in Abuja in the qualifiers, we had to practically beg Mozambique to do them in as we faced Kenya. What an irony of a Nation that prides herself as the giant of Africa.

While many people have condemned the irrational behavior of Sanni Keita that led to a straight red card; most have not considered both the utterances and performance of our captain Joseph Yobo. This is a player that at best is average and does not deserve a first team shirt save in a team like the Super Eagles. Before the second and winning goal was scored by the Greeks, our captain laid on the ground in our 18 for over 15 seconds while his area was under attack. He had no words at the end of the match except blame the coach for selecting ‘inexperienced’ players for the tournament. I believe he would have wished to have Celestine Babayaro as his left back at the world cup!

Facing the Koreans today, the team and its handlers must realize that the Nigeria’s pride is at stake. Out of all the African representatives in this tournament, we are the only country yet to obtain any point. And if not for the heroics of Vincent Enyeama, we would have been buried under a glut of goals by now. Our performance’s been so poor to the extent that some commentators have dubbed us the ‘jokers’ of 2010 World Cup.

I would spare myself the stress of talking tactics and simply ask coach Largerback to do three things. Firstly, he should drop the pair of Yobo and Shittu, replace them with Rabiu Afola and Dele Adeleye, give the captainship to Enyeama and start Obafemi Martins. I strongly believe doing the same thing over and over expecting a different outcome is a simple example of madness. Having given Yakubu Aiyegbeni two matches to shine and failing to do so, it’s time for a change!

It would be a joyful thing if we qualify for the next round but as a first demand, I would want the team to play with a sense of pride. This lack of pace and lethargy should be done away with if we intend to get anything from the match. One thing ‘am certain of is that the Koreans would give us a game of our lives as they are in a better position to qualify.

The ball is in the court of the players. This is the time to play it well and win.

The Super Eagles still have every chance to progress to the second round of the World Cup; all they need do is win their remaining matches. While this won’t be a picnic on the beach, it certainly is not unachievable if we put our acts together and focus absolutely on the task. The mountains to be climbed are not so steep, careful placement of feet and determination is needed.

Eight years ago in Korea-Japan, we found ourselves in a similar situation. We lost our first match to Argentina by a lone goal. It became imperative for us to win the next one and instead of rising to the occasion; we lost the second group match to Sweden, incidentally coached by our current handler Lars Lagerback. Now we are faced with a bruised Greece who played so poorly against South Korea that one was left wondering how they got into the World Cup.

For the records, they knocked out Ukraine in the play offs to arrive in South Africa. Towing their pedigree as a former European champion, the Greeks should never be judged only by the performance against South Korea. Aside having one of the most tactically discipline gaffers in Otto Rehaigel, Greece know how to defend a lead whenever they have their noses in the front. They have a very good and deeply experienced goalkeeper who has seen it all. This coupled with the taste of victory in Portugal six years ago makes them a very formidable opponent.

Having lost their opening match, they will be desperate to win the next. Quite simply, we are both in the same boat and only the hungrier team would have food on the table at the end of the day. The critical decisions to be made on the day also would aid in no small measure the outcome of the tie.

Tactics and Line Up

I was surprised to see Lagerback come out with a 4-3-3 formation against Argentina in our last match. I thought it would have been more appropriate to pack the midfield and hit them on the counter each time we have the ball. This was why I proffered the 4-5-1 formation with Yakubu as the lone striker up front. Obviously, Largerback’s tactical decision didn’t pay off as the Argentines practically commandeered the midfield throughout the encounter save for a brief period of possession by the Eagles towards the end.

The question then is what should he do against Greece?

The Super Eagles enjoyed some successes in the past as a result of our wing play. This pattern was formalized during the reign of Clemens Westerhoff and later Jo Bonfere. We launch our attacks through the wings with pace that usually open up the defense of our opponents. The unfortunate reality is that we do not have good wingers in the team anymore. More significantly, the coach determines the formation at any given time and Lars may not be enamored with our past experience.

The Greeks play a compact five man midfield with a loan striker similar to what I proffered against Argentina in the first match. To counter this, I strongly believe that we should tow out and out strikers in Martins and Aiyegbeni to keep their defense busy. There is no room for show boating and all focus must be on the game till the last whistle.

First Team

Vincent Enyeama, Joseph Yobo, Dele Adeleye, Taye Taiwo, Chidi Odiah, Dickson Etuhu, Lukman Haruna, Ozaze Odemwengie, Yusuff Ayila, Obafemi Martins and Yakubu Aiyegbeni should start this match. I have chosen two defensive and two attacking midfielders in this formation which is a 4-4-2. But this demands a committed display from our left backs to aid the attack when we have the ball. With the grafting skill of Ayila and Etuhu, I believe we should be able to hold our own against the Greeks in the midfield.

Coach Lagerback must tell his players to play for one another. It was disheartening to see the reaction of Ozaze against his team mate, Martins when the latter asked him for the ball against the Argentines. They must realize that this would be the last chance for most of them to make a name for Nigeria.

My Prediction

Like 16 years ago when we played against the Greeks at USA 1994, I believe Vincent Enyeama just as Peter Rufai did would have a major say in the outcome of the game. Rufai, for me had his best game for Nigeria in that match. Had it not been for his agility, we would have been three goals down before Finidi George scored the opener. With his ‘Man of the Match’ performance against Argentina, Enyeama is posed to be a major factor in this tournament for Nigeria.

I fancy us getting a goal and keeping it tidy at the back throughout. I hope this time around ‘am good! Cheers!

Not a few football analysts have written off the chances of the Super Eagles in this year’s World Cup. A preview of the group on Skysports online was so dismissive of the team that it borders on impudence from the reviewer. Many fans of the team in Nigeria and elsewhere have given up hope bearing in mind the state of the team, kinds of players and the legendary lack of adequate preparation for major tournaments by the country.

The above in contrast to the world class players available to the Argentines puts one in a pensive mood. From the likes Of Lionel Messi, to Diego Milito, Carlos Tervez; the ‘Argies’ are brimming with confidence ahead of the tie. While Nigeria lost arguably her best player in John Obi Mikel to injury, our opponent have a full complement of their players and virtually all are injury free and fit. The fact that we’ve not beaten them before in all major encounters piles more pressure on us to get a good result in the opener.

Despite all these, one truth remains that football is not mathematics and therefore the team that’s more ‘hungry’ and puts its act together in terms of discipline, tactics, focus and determination on the day usually wins. The second fact is that these days, names alone do not win matches otherwise Real Madrid and not Inter should have been crowned European champions. Team cohesion and tactical discipline goes a long way in determining how far a team can go. And in a big tournament like the world cup, only the team that combines these qualities in the right proportion picks the gold.

We have met Argentina twice at the World Cup and on the two occasions lose the matches by the odd goal. The first time was in USA 1994 and lack of focus and awareness left our defenders in ‘wonderland’ as Maradona (the current coach) slid a pass to the opportunistic Cannigia to coolly place a shot beyond the despairing gloves of Peter Rufai to win the match. Our second encounter was almost a one sided one. It took the heroics of goalkeeper Ike Shorunmu to keep the score line at a respectable 0-0 through the first half until Gabriel Batistuta got away from bleeding Taribo West to score the only goal of the tie.

On the youth level, we fell twice to the trickery of Lionel Messi at the last hurdles to lose both at the FIFA Under 21 world cup in Holland in 2005 and the Beijing Olympics in 2008. Alarmingly, we are faced with the little wizard again in South Africa at the biggest stage in world football! Are we going to be third time lucky against him?

Tactics and Line Up

What I usually don’t do is to tag one opposing player to another. Football is a team sport and as such would not dwell on individuals to determine the outcome of a match. I’d rather talk about technical and tactical aspect of this game with particular focus on what I believe we can do to achieve a reasonable result from the encounter.

The key to getting anything from this game depends on the tactical approach of Lars Lagerback to the sure wave and wave of attacks that would come from the Argentines. No coach in the world would play otherwise with the array of attacking talents available to Diego Maradona. With this in mind, Lagerback must be prepared to pack his midfield with very fit and mobile players to confront the threat from Messi and co. secondly; there must be a clear instruction to go on counter attack at a blistering pace once Nigeria has the ball. Whether this would work or not depends on the fitness, discipline, determination and commitment of the player he chooses to face the Albicelestes.

To this effect, I envisage a 4-5-1 formation to dampen the fluency of Argentina’s midfield, cutting supplies to the likes of Messi and Milito. Critically, this can only work if the midfielders are ready to work their socks off helping the defense when necessary. We saw Mourinho did this superbly against a well drilled Barcelona in the UEFA Champions League semifinal at Camp Nou. The major ingredient needed for this to succeed is to have a set mind always on what needs to be done; getting a positive result!

First Team

Vincent Enyeama, Joseph Yobo, Dele Adeleye, Taye Taiwo, Chidi Odiah, Dickson Etuhu, Lukman Haruna, Sanni Keita, Ozaze Odemwengie, Yusuff Ayila and Yakubu Aiyegbeni should start this match. I have chosen three defensive midfielders for obvious reasons and while I believe that Yobo and Taiwo are not the best of defenders, I strongly feel that for this particular match, their experience and exposure would come in handy. One player that need to step up and put in his foot is Yakubu Aiyegbeni.

Built like Daniel ‘the bull’ Amokachi; Aiyegbeni has not really deliver for Nigeria when it matters most. He should see his inclusion in this team as a sacred call to duty. With his upper and lower body strength, he’s in the position to hold up the ball for fleet footed Ozaze to trouble the defense of our opponents. He must also take his chances. This is the kind of match that chances would be at a premium and as such wasting gilt edged opportunities would be like committing a cardinal sin.

My Prediction

It won’t hurt anyone except of course Argentines if the Super Eagles got the best of them on Saturday. I however strongly feel we do not have enough to beat the Albicelestes and I won’t cry (LOL) if we get a draw. My take is that it would be 1-1 in a fiercely contested and temperamental match! Goodluck to the Eagles!

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!

As I watch the build up to the FIFA 2010 World Cup in South Africa on DSTV daily, I couldn’t help but feel the overriding excitement of the host country and its people. The colours of the Rainbow Nation, the noise of the Vuvuzela, the outstanding levels of preparation and facilities, beautiful hotels and resorts on the ground etc shows that SA and indeed Africa has (is) coming of age.

No one would deny the fact that hosting arguably the world’s leading sporting event is no mean task. With over $4 billion already spent, the FIFA World Cup is not for the lily livered. Constant approving words from the highly reliable Jerome Valcke, FIFA General Secretary indicates that the football governing body is not regretting the award of the hosting right to an African nation. As a matter of fact, South Africa has done more than expected.

Preparation is not limited to infrastructure and allied developments though I would be quick to admit that I was simply blown away by the architectural masterpiece named the ‘Soccer City’ in Soweto. The level of security readiness and awareness displayed by the necessary quarters is heartwarming bearing in mind the peculiarity of most African nations in this regard. Most significantly, South Africa reached out to other African countries to assist her in providing adequate security during the championship. This is in itself would foster Africa unity; a critical platform for the formation of the AU.

As at today, four teams have arrived. Brazil, five times world champions are the first to arrive. This is perhaps an indication of their determination and purpose for this game. Argentina, Denmark and Australia are the remaining early birds. While the rest of Africa and the world wait in bated breath for the kickoff on June 11, 2010, the greatest winner of this event in Josep Blatter, FIFA’s president.

Here is a man who against most popular views of some powerful countries decided to give Africa a chance and suck to his gun despite some unfortunate incidents particularly the attack on the Togolese team on their way to the last ACN in Angola. While some wanted to turn it against South Africa, Blatter comments immediately after that incident clearly portrayed him as a man with deep sense of conviction and love for our continent. The same cannot be said of some members of the executive committee of FIFA.

Without sounding prophetic, I strongly believe that this championship would turn out to be the best tournament ever organized by FIFA. It will eclipse the outstanding 2006 world cup in Germany. Why?

We simply love the sport in Africa! Our passion for the game is unparallel and being the first to be held in our continent; the world should await a spectacle never seen before. This expectation I dare say won’t be on the field of play alone but also with fans support and the famed African hospitality. Indeed the big one is here and the world would not forget Africa in a hurry!

Hostilities resume again in the most prestigious club football championship in the world as Inter Milan hosts Barcelona in the first semi final of the highly anticipated round. Bayern Munich and Olympic Lyon will lock horns on Wednesday in the second semi final tie.

Inter Milan Vs Barcelona

Undoubtedly the top draw of this round is the encounter between Jose Mourinho’s Inter and Pep Guardiola’s Barcelona. The teams met in the group stage and the Catalans took the lion share of the points by defeating Inter in Spain while they held out for a draw at the San Siro.

This is therefore a test of character for the Spanish side as the motivation on the side of Inter would be unparalleled. While the Italian side’s been a major force in the Serie A, the same cannot be said of their performance in Europe. As a matter of fact, they’ve been ‘also ran’ in the UEFA champions’ league for the better part of four decades. Amazing reality considering the kind of money the Morratti family had expended in the last 13 years and yet they do not have anything to show for it in terms of the big one.

And in came the ‘special one’ Jose Mourinho! Not really for the Lega Calcio but for the European cup. He did achieve the former at the first try but the latter is the real deal for the Nerazzuris. Only that the Catalans are also a very interested party. They want to do what no other club has done since the modern era; win the cup back to back. So what gives?

One thing that cannot be denied is the tactical discipline of both teams. The managers are relatively young and Mourinho (a former interpreter to late Bob Robson during his stint at Barca) is renowned for his defensive and compact play while Pep is all about possession and more possession. What’s more? The two teams have ‘no nonsense’ players in their ranks. Lucio, Zanetti, Maicon and Cambiaso are as hard as they come in world football. Did I hear you say that Puyol, Pique, Keita and Alves are not pushovers too? You are absolutely right.

This tie is too close to call and it looks we are in for a very exciting time. With history and current form behind them coupled with the presence of the merciless Messi, I give this tie to Barcelona over the two legs. I know this is a hard call but I strongly feel that the hard tackles and desperate lunges that will come from Inter players will play right into the hands of Guardiola and his team.

Bayern Munich Vs Olympic Lyon

This is a tie that no pundit would have predicted at the beginning of this tournament. Bayern’s been off the scene for so long that many have long forgotten that they are three times champion of Europe. Serious activity in the summer meant the landing of the deadly Arjen Robben from Real. And for the worth of it, his decisive goals against Fiorentina and Manchester United have more than paid for his value. His onetime volley at Old Trafford meant that the Bavarians would again nurse the enviable dream of playing in the European finals.

Similarly, Lyon, a perennial champions’ league campaigner are also in delirium having achieved their first ever semis. And for all that people may say, Lyon is as good as any side in this championship. We shouldn’t forget that they knocked out Real Madrid in the last round and that’s not a mean achievement by any imagination.

If I don’t really have anything to look out for in the French team, the goalkeeping exploits of Lorris is worthy of mention. The safe hands is almost the dominant reason for the teams’ exploit this season. He might as well be the determining factor save for one critical fact. Bayern Munich seems to score critical goals at the right time and I don’t think Lyon can keep them off the track to reaching another finals.

It would seriously be called into questioning anytime Arsene Wenger and by implication Arsenal lay claims to being the masters of entertaining and awe inspiring football. Last Wednesdays match against Barcelona showed clearly that the Catalans are indeed the king of exciting and out of this world football. Looking at the statistics at the end of the first half, it was glaring that the possession football that Wenger has taken to a new level in the Premiership mattered little to the Catalans as they stoked the ball around Emirates like conquerors.

Another striking reality is the inability of Arsenal to cope with the high pressure tactics of Barcelona. They held on to the ball like selfish children and simultaneously harass and pressurize Arsenal into losing possession as soon as they had it; very impressive. Could Wenger had forgotten to clearly communicate a definitive plan to his team going into this tie?

Within the first 20 minutes or so, Arsenal were left chasing shadows and if not for the uncharacteristic heroics of Almunia, they could have be 0-3 down in the space of that time. It was almost unbelievable to see Arsenal under so much pressure at home; they simply had no answer to the onslaught.

Having somehow connived to lose their grip on the tie, Barcelona still have the chance to move to the next round with two precious ‘away’ goals in the kitty. I suppose Arsenal still have the key factor to all lives endeavour, hope; they can still go through at Nou Camp but not with the way they they played last week. They are capable of doing better than what we saw and they must be on top of their act to have a sniff of victory in Spain. There is no question about it, the second leg is going to be a tough nut to crack for the Gunners but they could also prepare well and go to their hosts den with a hammer!

Likely Semi Finalists

The greatest surprise from the quarter finals played so far is the one between Girondins Bordeux and Lyon, many thought that the former should shade the ties on both occasion. Now trailing with by two goals but with an ‘away’ goal in the bad, all they need to do is score two goals and they will be through to the next round. The only snag is that Lyon scores away goals too! My money is on Lyon therefore to move on from this tie.

Arsenal would need to not only score in Spain but must also put up rear guard performance of the year: their defense must not be breached! A tall order if you ask me and I do not in my wildest imagination think this could be done. There is no doubt about it, the second leg is going to be a tough nut to crack for the Gunners but they could also prepare well and go to their hosts den with a hammer! Would they be able to go through? On a scale of 1-5, I would put their chances of moving on at 1.5 and this ultimately means the Gunners would have to wait for another time to win their first European Cup.

Manchester United without Wayne Rooney is a less threat with the most inform player in the world in the team. I am very sure SAF would be pondering seriously on how to resolve the absence of the lethal forward. Having got a goal from their first trip, they remain strong favourites to qualify but, (a big one) they must be prepared to give the Bavarians a fight of their lives. Bayern is by no means a small team in Europe only that they fell away in recent seasons but the signs are clearly there that they could hurt any team on their day and Manchester United must not give them the chance to fulfill their potential at Old Trafford. I fancy another semi final appearance for the Red Devils.

Jose Mourinho is at the verge of accomplishing a very elusive semi final appearance for Inter Milan. Having scored a goal at the San Siro and shutting out CSK Mosco in the process, one cannot bet against the Nerazzuri clinching a place in the next round. Most importantly, Jose Mourinho’s sides are known to be very miserly at the back. His successes in club football have been founded on solid defenses and this, ‘am sure would take them through again.