FIFA Confederations Cup is a tournament of class and not
just a dress rehearsal of the World Cup. If the Super Eagles of Nigeria should
win the trophy, yes they can… Nigerians will celebrate the victory as much as
they would celebrate if the team wins the world cup.
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| Nigeria National Team |
I don’t entirely agree with Nigeria’s technical director,
Shaibu Amodu, who said in his interview with BBC sports that the Super Eagles
must focus on qualifying for the 2014 FIFA world cup instead of putting too
much effort in winning June’s FIFA Confederations Cup in Brazil.
I can tell you that the competition is not less important.
The fans and media expect Nigeria to do well at the Confederations cup and I
will tell you why.
The Confederations cup is a competition of continental
champions. Super Eagles is not just representing Nigeria, but the whole of
Africa. So the team cannot afford to let down the African continent in such a
world show of football prowess. If there’s nothing else to play for, Super
Eagles should be playing for the pride of Africa.
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| Spain National Team |
It is an opportunity to test the depth of the current Super
Eagles squad. The Nigerian team will face some of the world’s best teams,
Spain, Uruguay and Tahiti in Group B.
Spain and Uruguay are the tournament’s favorites. Spain is
the world and European champions, currently number one in FIFA rankings.
Uruguay is South American champions that ousted teams like
Argentina and Brazil at Cope America. It will be good if the Super Eagles play
against these teams and do well.
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| Uruguay National Team |
It’ll definitely improve Nigeria’s position in FIFA rankings
as well as promote the Super Eagles brand, for the coming year Grade A world
cup preparation games – that’s good for business if you ask me.
The camping in Nuremberg Germany has put the Super Eagles
team in a better from to handle both the qualifiers and the Confederation Cup.
The 2 -2 draw with Mexico and the 0 – 1 win in Nairobi against Harambee stars
of Kenya will definitely boost the morale of the team and get them set for the
qualifier against Namibia on June 12.
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| Tahiti National Team |
Nigeria fans believe that the Super Eagles have the capability to spring
up another victory in Windhoek. And if that happens it’ll yet be another morale
booster for the team. It’ll mean that the team has played enough
competitive games that may give them the edge in their first Confederations cup
match against Tahiti on June 17.
Group B Match Date – Time Venue Fixture
