The round of 16 was the highest stage Nigeria had managed to reach in three World Cup participations, but the same feat this summer will be considered no more than an underachievement. The super high ambitions set by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) were perhaps denoted by the shock sacking of manager Shaibu Amodu earlier this year. Amodu was relieved of his duties after leading his nation to a third-place finish in the 2010 African Cup of Nations, not to mention the achievement of qualifying for the World Cup. Lars Lagerback was the man to take charge eventually and the mission of guiding Nigeria to the semi-finals is the new target set by the NFF. "Nigeria have a great chance to do well in the World Cup," replied Lagerback when asked about the realism of the mission ahead. "If you don't believe that you can win matches in a tournament as a team and as a coach, then you don't deserve to be at the competition. "Playing football at this level is all about winning. I think there is a realistic chance for Nigeria to go a long way in the World Cup in South Africa." Facing Argentina…again Once again, Nigeria had the misfortune of being drawn with title contenders Argentina in Group B. In USA 1994, Samson Siasia's exquisite opener for the Super Eagles was shattered by a brace from Claudio Caniggia, eight years before Gabriel Batistuta sunk the Nigerians in Japan. Despite being considered outsiders for the clash, Nigeria seem to have a plan to overcome the challenge of Lionel Messi and Co. "We will not be going all out to attack Argentina. We will look to keep a clean sheet, frustrate them and then beat them," Lagerback said.
The first Nigerian to score in the World Cup was Rashidi Yekini in USA 1994 against Bulgaria "Argentina has good forwards but they're not so good in defense. If we put pressure on them then we can score many goals." Road to South Africa Nigeria earned a hard-fought berth to South Africa even with an easy start to their qualifying campaign. The Super Eagles amassed maximum points from their first-round group in a no-contest challenge involving Sierra Leone, Equatorial Guinea and World Cup hosts South Africa. Then was a thrilling marathon with Tunisia in a tight final-round Group B, that witnessed a dramatic seven-minute twist on November 14th, 2009. Tunisia were holding Mozambique in Maputo at the time when Nigeria were tied 2-2 in Kenya, which meant that the Carthage Eagles are heading for a fourth straight World Cup. However, Dario Monteiro stunned the Tunisians and almost at the same moment Obafemi Martins found the net in Nairobi to blast Nigeria into the finals. How they play Lars Lagerback used to deploy 4-4-2 or 4-5-1 formations during his Sweden reign, but the gaffer said he won't necessarily stick to his old tactics with the Super Eagles. Apart from first-choice striker Yakubu Aiyegbeni, the Swedish tactician has a variety of attacking options behind the last line of attack. The likes of Chinedu Obasi, Peter Odemwingie, Victor Obinna and John Utaka can form a strong offensive line behind the strikers, as Obafemi Martins is another candidate to partner 'The Yak' in the 4-4-2. Chelsea's John Obi Mikel is likely to fill in the defensive-midfielder position along with Fulham's Dickson Etuhu, while wing backs Somalia Taye-Taiwo and Chidi Odiah could be in charge of the flanks. In defense, the experience of Joseph Yobo is vital for the Nigerians, plus the solidity of influential goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama; one of the best shot-stoppers in Africa.
