Nigeria will be challenging for honor in Ghana as they ever did. Whenever they take part in the African Cup of Nations, The Super Eagles target nothing but a continental triumph, motivated by their glorious history in the Dark Continent. Nigeria do not only have two CAN tournaments under their belt, in 1980 and 1994, but they also took part in the World Cup more than once and made a notable impact. In the 1994 tournament in the United States, Nigeria progressed to the second round and were closer to make it to the quarter-finals, only to suffer an unfortunate 2-1 defeat to eventual runners-up Italy. They repeated the same feat four years later in France, demonstrating their ability to compete at the highest levels. Nigeria will be looking to improve on their last three attempts in CAN, in which they couldn't reach the final. They finished third in the 2002, 2004 and 2006 tournaments, the position which doesn't fulfill the fans' expectations. They have what it takes to mount a serious challenge for Africa's premier competition. However, Nigeria coach Berti Vogts has to reshuffle a prominent weak point in his team. "We have so many talented strikers, and we need some workers for the strikers in midfield," the German tactician said. Since the international retirement of Sunday Oliseh, Nigeria have the lacked the presence of a powerful and high-profile midfielder. Their current squad does not include a fearsome midfielder. Nigeria only have Chelsea's John Obi Mikel, who is not a regular starter with the Premiership side. Although Nigeria are always absolute favorites to progress to CAN quarter-finals, this time isn't likely to be that easy. They were drawn with Ivory Coast, Mali and Benin in Group B of the Ghana finals.
Kanu However, Vogts is confident over Nigeria's chances of advancing to the quarter-finals. "No, it is not a group of death. Mali and Ivory Coast have quality players but we can move to the next round. It is possible, there is no problem," he said. Star Player: Nwankwo Kanu The lanky striker is perhaps the most decorated African footballer of this time. Kanu has two African Player of the Year awards to his name, a UEFA Champions League medal, a UEFA Cup medal, Premiership, FA Cup and an Olympic Gold Medal with Nigeria. The well traveled player began his football career with local side Federation Works before moving to Iwuanyanwu Nationale in 1992. His true beginning was at the 1993 U-17 World Cup when he won the gold medal with the young Eagles. His performance caught the eyes of Ajax officials who signed him that summer. After his virtuoso display that led Nigeria to the gold medal at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, Kanu then took his trade to the Serie A where he suffered a dismal spell with Inter Milan during which he underwent heart surgery and played only 12 matches. Kanu rediscovered himself with Arsenal. The Nigerian skipper's deft skills and extravagant goals made him a favorite with the Arsenal faithful. After four years with the Gunners, Kanu moved on to play for West Bromwich Albion for two seasons before linking up with former Arsenal teammates Sol Campbell and Lauren at Portsmouth this year. Kanu's participation in the 2008 finals was at doubt as he had to spend a few weeks on the sidelines nursing an injury, but his return to the Super Eagles squad will definitely give them the boost they need. Coach: Berti Vogts The coach of Germany for eight years, an unusually long spell in national teams' management, Vogts made notable achievements during his tenure with the "Mannschaft". Vogts worked as Franz Beckenbauer's assistant during Germany's 1990 World Cup triumph before taking over from the German legend right after the tournament. He led his nation t
