6 July 2009
Lagos — Nigeria's Super Eagles and other African countries aspiring to make major marks at next year's FIFA World Cup in South Africa have been told to banish the thought of winning the most prized soccer trophy on earth.
Apart from hosts South Africa who are sure-bet, even as the rest of African countries are still lurked in qualification battles, Jose Mourinho, the Inter Milan of Italy manager who was in Nigeria at the weekend believes an African country can do 'something special' at next year's World Cup, but he does not believe they can win it.
The former Chelsea and Porto manager who arrived in Lagos on Friday night on a two-day visit to the Kwara Football Academy however predicted a bright future for African football most essentially, as her top stars are playing in major leagues of the world.
"I see a good future for Africa, and it is good because next year the World Cup is in Africa and I hope the African teams will do something special at the World Cup.
"Maybe not win it, but they can do very well because there are some really good players in Africa," Mourinho said.
Mourinho's position comes in sharp contrast to with the aspirations of FIFA chief, Joseph Blatter who is praying for the success of an African team to make an impact.
Hosts, South Africa and champions of the continent, Egypt failed to win the Confederations Cup, fore runner to the mundial last week. While the South Africans were able to make it to the semis and lost in a nail-biting 1-0 to Champions Brazil, Egypt failed to make it. The Pharaohs 3-0 loss to the USA was viewed as a set back, considering the pedigree of the Yankees in the round leather game.
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