Nigeria come to Brazil with a feel-good factor behind them after their surprise African Cup of Nations victory earlier this year which helped restore the country to their position as one of the continent’s leading powers. They will feel the pressure of being representatives not just of Nigeria, but the whole of Africa, which will get behind them as their sole representative at the Confederations Cup.
But Stephen Keshi’s side have other things to worry about. Level on points with Malawi in their qualifying group the Nigerians have crucial games coming up with Kenya and Namibia which could shape their chances of returning to Brazil next year. That is their priority and Keshi has made clear that he sees those games as the crucial matches in the weeks ahead. He will though be more than just a little excited at the prospect of travelling to Brazil to take on some of the world’s biggest names afterwards – although Keshi would sacrifice it to be there next year.
Coach: Stephen Keshi
Keshi, who won the 1994 African Cup of Nations as the captain of the Nigeria side, has had a similarly impressive impact in his role as coach since his appointment in 2011. But just a day after their triumph in South Africa earlier this year, Keshi handed in his resignation, apparently due to a fall out with the Nigerian Football Federation during the tournament. He reversed that decision, but it underlines the job Keshi has done to unite his team both on and off the pitch. He has managed to coach his team effectively despite pressures from above and reined in some of the big names in the squad, such as Peter Odemwingie, dropped to underline Keshi’s authority prior to the African Cup of Nations. Keshi has also turned to a number of locally based players to create a harmonious squad and avoid division.
Key Player: John Mikel Obi
Often derided for his club form with Chelsea, Mikel seems to revel in the freedom of playing further forward for his country and was a driving force for Nigeria during the African Cup of Nations. He has yet to truly live up to the hype placed on him after his performances at the 2005 World Youth Cup, where he inspired Nigeria to a silver medal behind Lionel Messi’s Argentina. Playing further forward seems to bring out Mikel’s creative side and expect that to be on display again in Brazil.
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View from Nigeria
Participation alongside the world’s leading nations at the Confederations Cup has excited Nigeria but there is a strong sense that World Cup qualifiers must take priority. Only after the game with Namibia will Nigerians relax and anticipate the tournament in Brazil. There is optimism that they can get through a group which will likely see them and Uruguay battle for the second spot behind Spain, but few expect anything more than a last four spot.
Verdict
Nigeria may not be at 100% for their opening game after their World Cup qualifiers, but then again they start against Tahiti, which should help. The next game with Uruguay could be the key and Nigeria are capable of shocking Oscar Tabarez’s side, who are in a state of transition, as Keshi’s men are a well organised and capable unit who can stun bigger names on their day. But it is hard to see a weakened team missing key players being able to defeat Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani’s Uruguay, who are more likely to pick up points against Spain too. The last four may be asking too much of Nigeria.
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