A traditional heavyweight in African football, Nigeria are always deemed one of the favorites to win the African Cup of Nations but a less than convincing displays in their qualifying campaign called their credentials into question. The Super Eagles managed to atone for missing out on the 2006 World Cup by reaching the 2010 South Africa finals and, naturally, the Nations Cup in Angola. They topped Group B with 12 points from six games, one ahead of second-placed Tunisia but they were still unable to impress. Pressure then mounted on coach Shaibu Amodu to deliver better performances and his job even hung by a thread. Calls for his sacking were not uncommon and reports suggested Italian coach Roberto Mancini was waiting on the wings to take over at the helm of the Super Eagles. The Nigerian Football Federation (NFF), however, gave Amodu a vote of confidence and insisted he would not be dismissed despite a lackluster qualifying campaign. "He has one of the best records in qualifying. Even some of those that they are calling to replace him have not done better than him. So why should we reward them for their failure, and punish him for his success," NFF committee member Taiwo Ogunjobi told kick-off.com. Good Impression
Amodu under pressure However, Nigeria will have to make a good impression in Angola if Amodu is to remain in his job until the World Cup. They will face competition from defending champions and six-time winners Egypt, Mozambique and Benin. "We are happy with what we got, but we have to take it on a game by game basis," Amodu, who was appointed as Nigeria coach in April 2008. "All the 16 teams that qualified for the Nations Cup did not get here by mistake. There are no minnows in this tournament and we will not underrate any team. "Ultimately, every team is a good team and it will be dangerous to assume that any team is just there for the taking." Nigeria have an abundance of talent in their squad. With no room for domestic league players, the team's European-based footballers will shoulder the West African country's hopes in Angola. Amodu will rely on the likes of Everton duo Joseph Yobo and Aiyegbeni Yakubu, Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel, Wolfsburg striker Obafemi Martins and Hoffenheim's Chinedu Obasi during the 21-day-long tournament. "I believe there will be fierce fight for shirts because I have made it clear to the players that performances at the Nations Cup will go a long way in determining those who will be called up for the World Cup finals in South Africa next year," the 51-year-old boss added.
