African Cup Of Nations - 26th Jan 2008

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D Day

By Hiral Bhatt

Though they put a better showing against a very strong Mali side, Nigeria’s current predicament is nothing short of astounding. They face a reality in which they not only missed the last World Cup but also are in real danger of exiting the subsequent Cup of Nations in the first round. Nigerian international football has been declining steadily for some years now but, almost unbelievably, during a time when Nigeria is producing more and more players of exceptional quality. The U20 and U17 teams were both a force to be feared in the recent youth World Cup’s, the U17’s going on to lift the trophy. So what is the problem with the national team? The old demons that have tormented Nigerian football for an eternity, namely poor management and administrative organisation, continue to negate any talent that the country produces. Berti Vogts listless tenure, blighted from the outset by a lack of support from the country’s legions of fanatical fans, has enabled about as much progress as water would in a car engine. But he is not solely to blame. The apathy that many in the Nigerian squad have shown towards international fixtures of every type has been nothing short of shocking. Draft dodging is rampant, a national team call up is not given the treatment it deserves. Nigeria must now trounce Benin and hope that the Ivory Coast can beat the excellent Malians. In other words they must hope the Ivory Coast can be all they haven’t been in recent times.

Parreira’s burden

By Hiral Bhatt

Around 60 minutes into the South Africa v Angola game, many in the South African establishment would have been breaking out into a cold sweat. Not for what was happening against the resolute Palancas Negras, but about the prospect of hosting the 2010 World Cup and having a host national team who could very well crash out in the first round, something that has never happened before. Van Heereden’s magnificent strike ensured that such worries were quelled for the time being at least. South Africa’s have certainly improved since the horror show that was their Cup of Nation’s campaign two years ago. They have narrowly lost to Italy and to a Scotland side that has proved to be quite excellent, the latter loss coming despite South Africa dominating most of the play. The new weapons like Modise and co are very slowly developing into players capable of making an impact in world football. But Parreira is going to have to work like a man possessed to ensure that the Bafana Bafana firstly concede fewer goals, but much more importantly, add a cutting edge to an improving midfield.

Please forward all press releases and feature ideas to Jake Brown on jake@newafricansoccer.co.uk