Nigeria: Team Overview

17 June 2010
allAfrica.com

Not long ago, the Super Eagles were seen as the most likely African nation to go all the way in the FIFA World Cup finals.

High expectations have been following them since their debut at the 1994 World Cup, which saw them make it to the second round. In 1998, they thrilled the world by coming from behind, twice, to beat Spain and then to win the group stage.

However, the Super Eagles have never found a map to lead them out of the second round: they fell narrowly to Italy in 1994 and were soundly defeated by Denmark in 1998.

That celebrated generation of Nigerian players, including Sunday Oliseh, Victor Ikpeba, Jay-Jay Okocha and Finidi George, have handed over to a new generation, whom many say are still finding their footing. Nigeria was sent packing in the first round in 2002 and did not even qualify in 2006.

Perhaps their nail-biting qualification for 2010 is an indication that Nigerians might yet re-live the thrill of the 90s.

Previous FIFA World Cup Appearances: 1994, second round; 1998, second round; 2002, first round.

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