If we were speaking of a flight, it would take around half a day to get to Brazil from Lagos. Geographically speaking, both locations are seemingly at extremes and are not even separated by Ethiopia in any way. However, footballistically (like Arsene Wenger would say), a small matter of 180 minutes stand between the Super Eagles and a place in the 2014 World Cup.
As soon as the draws for the play-offs were made, a healthy number of football observers and fans in these parts rejoiced. The wise cliche says there are no minnows in football, but when you consider high-voltage clashes like Ghana vs Egypt and Senegal vs Cameroun, it’s sensible to say Nigeria landed the easiest of the ties.
It doesn’t mean it will be a walk in the park. We don’t even need to cast our minds far back. Earlier this year at the Africa Cup of Nations, Victor Moses scored twice from the spot, to earn Nigeria a 2-0 victory over Ethiopia, who had their goalkeeper, Biancha Sisay sent off. The Super Eagles needed a win to be absolutely sure of progressing, but toiled for 80 minutes, before Moses was fouled in the area. The former Wigan Athletic man, dusted himself and sent Sisay the wrong way. Ten minutes later, Sisay – who was already on a yellow card – brought Moses down in the area. Moses again kept his nerves and made it 2-0.
Simply put, the Walya Antelopes will not be easy meat. “Nigeria are very experienced and have a lot of talent and skill. But even though they have those qualities, we are at a good level and we will challenge them,” their coach, Bishaw Sewnet told BBC Sport. “Our players are young, fresh and have played against many professional players – they have come to understand that it is man against man, and that they can beat any country if they work hard.”
He’s not just bluffing. The star-studded Nigerian team has to be up for it. This is a place in the World we’re talking about here. Stephen Keshi might just be eager to remind his boys the Angola debacle, that prevented us from making an appearance in 2006 and charge them to bring all they’ve got for the two leg. Having remained unbeaten for the entire qualification series, this is the last step and the Super Eagles cannot afford to be shocked.
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