Segun Odunayo
The Super Eagles of Nigeria has qualified for the FIFA World Cup for the sixth time in her history. After first appearing at the tournament in the United States of America in 1994, France in 1998 and Korea Japan in 2002, Nigeria failed to qualify for Germany 2006 but returned to the most glamorous football competition hosted in Africa (South Africa) for the first time in 2010 and the win against Zambia today books a spot for the most populous black country on earth in Russia next summer. Nigeria becomes the eleventh country to qualify and the first African country to make it to the competition. This is the second time the country will be qualifying for the World Cup with a qualifier to spare after doing same in 1997.
After getting football power houses, Cameroon and Algeria including Zambia in the draws for the tournament, many envisaged a herculean task which may prove difficult to surmount especially knowing that only the top team qualifies.
However, the Super Eagles picked up four points from a double header against African champions Cameroon but have defeated Zambia and Algeria before that. The brilliant display from the Gernot Rohr led team attracted much accolades from far and wide especially after demolishing Cameroon at home and getting a draw away. Knowing fully well that a win today will secure a place at next year's tournament, the team secured three points after Alex Iwobi came off the bench to score the needed goal.
Now, proper preparation must begin in earnest if the team don't just want to complete the numbers in the eastern European country next summer. If Nigeria is to make it beyond its farthest point (the second round) ever, plans must be put in place to ensure that the coaching crew and players are properly prepared for battle against the best footballing countries in the world.
In the meantime, the Nigeria Football Federation led by Amaju Pinnick, the team, coaching crew, fans and Nigerians are general can role out the drums as they celebrate the moment. Congratulations Super Eagles, congratulations NIGERIANS.
Segun Odunayo is a sports analyst and writer with many years experience
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