Nigeria's Journey Through the World Cup, June 2010

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Credit: Vanguard

Nigeria entered the World Cup in South Africa with high hopes of going far. The Super Eagles' group included South Korea, Greece, and Argentina.
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Credit: 2010 FIFA OC

Super Eagles fans came in droves to watch the match against Argentina at Ellis Park stadium in Johannesburg on June 12.
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Dickson Etuhu was part of the Nigeria's back four tormented by shot after shot on goal from a relentless Argentinian attack.
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Credit: 2010 FIFA OC

Critics agree that Nigeria was lucky to have lost by only one goal to nil. Super Eagles fans still kept the flag waving, and hoped for better luck against Greece.
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Sadly, Sani Kaita did the Eagles no favors by getting a red card after fouling Vasileios Torosidis of Greece in the first half. At the time, the Eagles were up by one goal.
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The Greeks took full advantage, and went on an all-out attack against the Eagles. A brave performance by Vincent Enyeama, here saving a close range shot from Vasileios Torosidis, could not stop Nigeria from losing 2-1.
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The Eagles could still have gone through to the second round, however; all they had to do was beat South Korea and hope Argentina beat Greece. In their match against the Koreans in Durban, they came out strong, and even opened the scoring in the first half.
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Sadly, the lead was not to last. South Korea held Nigeria to a draw to claim their place in the round of 16. Ji-Sung Park, here being tackled by Chidi Odiah, right, was named the Man of the Match.