15 January 2002
Given that Nigeria are an African football super power, it is hard to believe they have conquered the continent only twice.
The first success came in 1980 when the 'Super Eagles' used home advantage to trounce Algeria 3-0 in the last one-sided finale to the biennial African showcase.
They triumphed again 14 years later, overcoming the shock of conceding a fourth-minute goal against Zambia in Tunis to win 2-1 thanks to an Emmanuel Amunike double.
But the much-anticipated third title on home soil two years ago did not materialise as the Eagles lost a controversial penalty shootout having come from two goals behind to draw with Cameroon.
Losing before your own supporters is bad enough, but when the Tunisian referee disallows a shootout goal by Victor Ikpeba that television replays proved had crossed the line, the pain lingers longer.
Much the same collection of Nigerian stars will be in Mali sooner or later - the build-up has been hampered by unavailable Europe-based professionals like Nwankwo Kanu of Arsenal and captain Celestine Babayaro of Chelsea.
Add Taribo West, Nigerian Footballer of the Year Austin 'Jay Jay' Okocha, Sunday Oliseh, Finidi George, Tijani Babangida and Victor Agali and one wonders if any team, bar Cameroon, need bother turning up in Mali.
The fact that the 'Super Eagles' have so many stars has often proved their undoing, however, with individualism taking precedent over teamwork to the detriment of the common goal.
Sideshows involving money often derail Nigerian ambitions and there has already been one pre-tournament 'strike' with the squad refusing to visit Egypt because of unpaid World Cup bonuses.
The build-up was restricted to a drawn friendly in Ivory Coast just seven days before the Nations Cup kicked off and Kanu was among the absentees with an English Premiership clash against Liverpool deemed more important.
Despite official assurances that he will take Nigeria to the mid-year World Cup, coach Amodu Shaibu knows that nothing less than first prize in Mali can guarantee he remains at the helm.
Grouped with Mali, Algeria and Liberia, Nigeria seem certain to top arguably the weakest pool, but it will get considerably tougher in the knockout stages with Morocco or South Africa possible quarter-final opponents. (ACONS)
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