Ten-Man Ghana Seal Historic Nigeria Win

Ghana 2 - 1 Nigeria

In what had already been billed as the match of the tournament, the cards and goals flowed freely. In the end, Ghana prevailed past Nigeria 2-1 in what was an incredibly exciting encounter...

Clearly this was to be a heated derby, as Muntari found himself on the end of a foul from Obinna Nwaneri just after kickoff, resulting in a small amount of "handbags."

But while it was physical, it wasn't gung-ho, at least to start with. Indeed, with so much at stake, neither side was apt to take undue risks.

It took a quarter of an hour for the first real chance to emerge, with Muntari playing a fine ball across goal, only for Yobo to clear it.

Ten minutes later, though, it all kicked off.

After some fine play, Michael Essien hit the post oon the 25 minut emark after a tremendous give-and-go with Asamoah Gyan.

Then, Junior Agogo had a great chance just a minute later as Ghana turned the screw. He, however, could only see his effort tipped wide by Ejide.

It was quite a strong spell for Ghana, but Nigeria showed that they are no makeweights by hitting back. Yakubu almost managed to go one on one with Kingson, before he turned provider by slipping a through ball to Getafe's Ikechukwu Uche. Despite the latter's great run, the finish was poor, and it stayed 0-0.

At least for a minute, for no sooner had that chance ben mupped up than Addo conceded a penalty, apparently for shirt pulling against Yakubu. The Everton man himself stepped up and duly netted it, and suddenly Ghana ere in trouble.

Indeed, Nigeria looked the stronger side going into half time, with Uche and Yakubu linking up well, but Ghana's undoubted class shone through right on the stroke of half time.

That's when Michael Essien grabbed an equaliser. The Chelsea man both placed and powered a header after Owusu-Abeyie's cross to level the scores.

Right after the break, Obi Mikel attempted to show his teammate how it was done, almost capitalising on Uche's through ball - and some poor defending - only for Kingson to smother the ball at the last second.

That error reminded both teams that risks were inappropriate, and the game slowed down - at least until the hour mark.

For Ghana were down to ten men just then, John Mensah preventing a clear goalscoring opportunity by fouling Odemwingie just outside the box.

Taye Taiwo came inches away from opening the scoring from the ensuing free-kick, with Kingson's last-gasp save keeping his side in it.

His near-namesake Laryea Kingson joined the fray in place of Asamoah, dropping back to midfield and in turn allowing Essien to take a place in defence.

Strangely enough, that seemed to lend a bit more shape to the Ghanaians, and certainly more steel. Spurred on by Michael Essien's encouragement, they closed down the Nigerians with gusto, albeit sometimes a bit too much.

For things were beginning to get a bit heated - admittedly, for both sides. In one incident fifteen minutes from time, Obi Mikel picked up a booking after hacking down Annan, only for Annan to raise his hands to the Chelsea star.

In terms of play, though, Ghana had one great chance through Agogo ten minutes from time, only for the Nottingham Forest man to fluff his finish at the last second.

That made it all the more surprising when he was the man to give his side a lead seven minutes from the end. Muntari's low cross found the predatory forward lingering at the far post, and Agogo was so delighted with his close-range effort that his overcelebration was deemed worthy of a booking.

On came Nsofor for Obi Mikel as Nigeria boss Berti Vogts rolled the dice, and Nigeria poured forward. Shittu did well to float a cross in two minutes from time, only for Muntari, dropping back to defend, to head clear.

But other than a couple more half-chances from corners, the wealth of Nigerian bodies pressing forward could provide little - indeed, Nigeria needed Ghana to give them one last hope by conceding a free-kick 25 yards out two minutes into stoppage time.

The ball eventually reached Yobo in the box, but his finish was lacking, and the match ended with the hosts in a state of ecstacy.

Can 2008 Update : Ghana vs. Nigeria

Only one of Ghana and Nigeria can progress to the semi-finals of this year's African Nations Cup.

Almost a year to the day, on a freezing night in the harrowing surroundings of Griffin Park, Brentford, you would have been forgiven for thinking you were in West Africa. At least that was the impression I got from the perplexed West London locals.


The occasion: An international friendly between Ghana and Nigeria.


The streets were coloured, the atmosphere was electric and to my personal delight Ghana triumphed 4-1 against the Super Eagles. In the game, every Ghanaian goal was greeted with a pitch invasion, and after the game Nigerian’s in and outside of the stadium were being abused in a good-natured way.


This Sunday, the occasion between these two rivals will dwarf the earlier friendly meeting, and fans are having sleepless nights just thinking about the consequences of defeat. This is without doubt the biggest rivalry in Africa, after the Ghanaians showed the Nigerians just how to play football.


The rivalry is not limited just to football, but to culture; economy; and social standing. It is a wonderful rivalry, with no elements of violence, but just a healthy distain and begrudging respect for each other. As a London-born Ghanaian I have been on the receiving end of abuse from my Nigerian compatriots and I have given it back.


A typical example of a day in the life of a Ghanaian - Nigerian fans rivalry would be a Ghanaian accusing Nigerians of coming to their country, stealing all the food, bringing their squad a fraudulent (admittedly world class) con-artist to rob people, while in their own country you will get shot for just minding your business! Nigerians will respond by saying Ghana is nothing without them, that they have no jobs in their own country so they come to Nigeria to live in a real thriving economy.


This massive game is just what this competition needs. I have watched from London with embarrassment and anger after each humiliation the competition has thrown. From the grass being the length of an abandoned public park; journalists being robbed and attacked; the abysmal floodlight failure; to the failure to reduce ticket prices for people who at the worst of times cannot afford to buy food!


It is amazing to think after four-plus years of planning; these incompetent dunderheads at CAF were unable to do things a six-year-old would have implemented!


Neither side has been convincing in the lead up to this game, but Ghana as winners of Group A are the favourites to end a 16-year wait for a competitive win against the Super Eagles (Man, I regret writing that!). Nigeria on the other hand has limped through to the quarter final, playing some of the worst football in the competition.


Berti Vogts and Claude Le Roy are fully aware that their jobs are on the line with a defeat, and the players’ houses and cars will also be under threat with a defeat.


On Sunday, Accra will be buzzing, just as London will be. At 5pm feeling a little bloated from the Joloff rice I will stuff in my face from 2pm, I will be jumping up and down like every Ghanaian. The consequences of defeat are unthinkable and with defeat, I will be in self imposed solitary confinement for around a month.

Overall, the two teams have met 59 times. Ghana lead with 24 wins to Nigeria’s 16, with the other 19 matches ending in draws.

Review written by A Ghanian's friend and I hope he eats his words

GHANA 2008 UPDATE

Set aside the 'potato field', as Claude Le Roy so eloquently described the playing surface at Accra's national stadium, as well as the accreditation nightmare suffered by many journalists and, four breathless days into the tournament, the African Cup of Nations is living up to the hype.

Off the field, from colourful fans through eccentric goalkeeping to inspired celebrations, much of what was expected has been delivered. Between the white lines, however, many of the pre-tournament storylines have, thus far, failed to play out as forecast. The only thing predictable, it seems, is this tournament's unpredictability.

In the opening game, Ghana were indebted to an early contender for goal of the tournament for their Group A win over Guinea. Despite their absence of top-line strikers, Sulley Muntari's heroics in the long grass on Sunday mean the Black Stars favourites' tag remains.

However, Ghana's was a workmanlike win, unimpressive when compared to emphatic victories by two nations from the north of the African continent. Geography, history suggests, is often a key factor in deciding who takes home the trophy at this bi-annual event. Ghana are seeking to become the third straight home team to prevail but early evidence suggests that Morocco and Egypt are intent on bucking that trend.

Egypt came into the tournament as defending champions and yet little was expected of Hassan Shehata's side. How, though, the Pharaohs announced themselves in Group C, playing with a chip on their shoulder to demolish Cameroon, whose pre-tournament favorites tag has been replaced by one that says 'must do better'. Fortunately for them, in a group that also features Sudan and Zambia, the Indomitable Lions have chances to re-establish themselves.

For Egypt, Mohammed Zidan announced himself as an early candidate for the tournament's top scorer crown with two altogether different, yet equally impressive, goals. However, the Hamburg striker's brace was outshone by the exploits of Morocco's Soufiane Alloudi, who found the net three times in the first 28 minutes of the Lions of the Atlas' 5-1 Group C mauling of Namibia, who looked every bit like a nation playing at this level for just the second time.

Before it began, the most mouth-watering tie of the opening matches was undoubtedly Ivory Coast versus Nigeria. However, as is so often the case, the game failed to live up to its star billing. In fairness to both teams, stifling 35°C heat made a lively tempo difficult to maintain but, overall, this was a match that neither side would have chosen to kick off their campaign.

A moment of magic, hardly in-keeping with the rest of this uninspiring game, saw Ivory Coast take the honours. Salomon Kalou's own nomination for the tournament's best goal secured the points and the Elephants look set to control Group B.

Nigeria, by contrast, are a team with issues. Under a coach, Berti Vogts, who spoke out prior to the tournament about his exasperation with the way Nigerian football is run, this was a disjointed display that will do much to encourage Mali's belief that their qualification from Group B is possible.

Nigeria's forward line, boasting Kanu, Yakubu, Obafemi Martins and John Utaka, was starved of consistent service, as a lack of cohesion permeated through a Super Eagles' side devoid of the attacking flair with which it has traditionally been associated. Furthermore, critical comments about his teammates following the game from John Obi Mikel will have done little to boost morale.

In Group D, Senegal, one of the darlings of African football in the early part of this decade, looked set to announce themselves to the rest of the tournament with a win, only for another northern upstart, Tunisia, to peg them back.

Two years ago, Senegal scraped into the quarterfinals despite losing two of their three group games and their failure to dispose of their first opponent in Ghana suggests that, once again, the Lions of Teranga may fall just short of what it takes to go all the way. However, perhaps it is too early to make such statements, especially as Group D is wide open following South Africa's draw with Angola.

Thus, with each team having played one game, what is certain is that this is a tournament, which could be won by a number of its participants. But the knockout stages are the time to evaluate who will be celebrating in Accra on 10 February. For now, for the unfancied teams especially, enjoyment and entertainment appear to be the key motivation.

In the opening eight games of the tournament, 23 goals were scored. In the 2006 World Cup, the same number of games featured 18 goals, one more strike than was yielded in the opening eight ties of Euro 2004.

Certainly, some questionable goalkeeping and playing surfaces, not to mention a ball that does some funny things when airborne are a number of factors, which can be pointed to for this offensive output.

However, perhaps the most pleasing reason for the attacking play stems from the collective desires of many teams to attack, which is often fueled by individuals keen to impress the many watching scouts in the hope of securing a big-money transfer. Even more impressive is that it is some of the underdogs that are barking loudest at their opponent's goal.

Who would have predicted that, four days into the 26th Cup of Nations, Morocco would have scored more goals than Ivory Coast, Ghana and Nigeria combined? Or that Hosni Abd Rabo would have two goals while messrs Drogba, Yakubu and Diouf have none? Or, and this is almost as pleasing as the attacking play, not a single red card has been shown?

The referees have let the players play and all who have observed - journalists apart, perhaps - have reaped the viewing benefits. Long may it continue.

Super Eagles Become Super Vultures

Nigeria relinquished the Cup of Nation against Mali in a crucial tie on Thursday by failing to win when it mattered the most.

The Super Eagles were once famed for killing teams off themselves. Now, after that capitulation to Mali, the birds can only fly to the next round if the Ivory Coast do them a favour in the final set of group matches. The eagles, then, need someone else to do their killing: they are now vultures.


It was indeed the worst performance of Nigeria since the introduction of this cup. Nigeria missed key Kanu through injury, but also lacked preparation and were unable to match Malian's skill, mental strength and desire. For Mali, salvaging the pointwas a matter of personal and national pride which the Super Eagles couldn't match.

Nigeria is a powerhouse in African football and the national side is ranked number one in the African continent. But after the performance, the status has diminished and rightly so the “Super Eagles” turned to ordinary vultures. In order to win this the match, they needed fire-power, and star studded players had to perform. The defence wasn't up to much either, but these were the two main areas of failure. Nigerian strikers failed to find the net in the second consecutive game, and Yakubu didn’t look like the Yakubu we see in Premier League every week.

In the last fifteen minutes, they showed their desperation to break the deadlock. For this, everyone moved forward and tried their best to beat the ticking clock. But desperation and panic is not the way game is played. Tournament football needs clear cut plans and strategies are made in order to cope with situations like this. When such designs exist, they produces fruitful results. For Nigeria, there were no team work and nobody was ready to take the lead, and no plan was forthcoming.


The heat was another factor in the poor scoreline, and in some ways an avoidable one. Nigerian, they were trained mostly in Nigeria and Spain which, will not cold countries, lacked the exact tournament conditions of Ghana. In addition, they played their preparatory games with European countries instead playing with their continental fellows.

As if to show the lack of ideas in the Nigerian camp, Jon Mikel Obi expressed his nervousness when he was interviewed after the match. When asked about Nigeria’s chances, his first reaction was, “I don’t know”. When asked about Kanu’s absence, again it was, “I don’t know”.

I personally like the way Mali came into this match. They made every effort to snatch the point, and this they did. Mali were more dangerous and difficult than Nigeria - even though in some areas their squad is weaker. They hit the targets well and were pushing very hard from start to finish.


Nigeria, on the other hand, scarcely earned the tag “Super Eagles”. Once upon a time they were called that, because in many ways they resembled one, hunting in destructive packs. But after this defeat, Nigeria must adapt to a diet of dead animals as would vultures. Their fate lies in the hands of Ivory Coast, in that they need the Ivorians to kill Mali's chances. Having to rely on results elsewhere is hardly becoming of an eagle.


Nigeria have one of the best strike forces in Africa and they have lot of talent but when it comes to backroom coaching, yet the squad does not work as it should. It’s not about players, it’s not about coaches, it’s about football administration and Nigerian have to put their administration in order. That will see an effect that works its way down from management to players, and finally result in some teamplay.


With World Cup 2010 not too far away, Nigeria is a force to whom the continent will look for success. But with this sort of performance, expectations will be lowered significantly.


The future of Nigerian football seems to be very bleak. I take pity on Nigerian supporters.

Nigerian Team In Bus Argument

ThisDay newspaper of Nigeria asserts that Austin Ejide almost came to blows with Joseph Yobo after Nigeria's defeat to Cote d'Ivoire...

ThisDay claims that squad harmony is far from optimal in the Super Eagles camp.

The Nigerian daily claims that the team bus was far from a happy place during the side's brief journey from the stadium to the hotel after their 1-0 loss.

Goalkeeper Austin Ejide was reportedly restrained by other travelers after his argument with Joseph Yobo nearly came to blows.

Ejide was berating the stopper for failing to close down Salomon Kalou in the incident that led to the goal. The two had already traded harsh words on the pitch to this effect.

John Mikel Obi downplayed talk of disharmony, but admitted that things had not gone well.

"We made one mistake and that was the goal. When you make such mistakes you pay dearly for it," Obi sighed. "We should learn from them and people should take full responsibility."

"If we can do that, we've got a long way to go in this tournament, because we've got a good team and we played well," the 20-year-old midfielder added.

"We just need to concentrate all the time if we want to achieve anything."

Nigeria Struggle To Justify Number One Tag

Nigeria Struggle To Justify Number One Tag

Walter Townsend asks if Nigeria are truly worthy of being FIFA's top ranked team in Africa after the defeat to the Ivory Coast on Monday...

Yesterday's disappointing defeat to the Ivory Coast in Nigeria's opening game in Group B underlined several of Nigeria's deficiencies, most notably their inability to supply any worthwhile service to their frontline. What's more, defeat now leaves them requiring a win against Mali if they are to retain hopes of keeping qualification in their own hands.

Nigeria came into the tournament as one of the favourites for the title. The 23 man squad that German coach Berti Vogts announced certainly indicated that Nigeria were planning to go for the win, with 8 strikers named in the selection.

With bold pre-tournament claims of turning Nigeria into the "Germany of Africa", Vogts has indeed kept to his word. Unfortunately from Nigeria's perspective, though, Vogts appears to have modelled the side on the German side of 1998. That year, under his management, they crashed out in the quarter finals of the World Cup, having been thrashed by Croatia - it was widely considered to be one of the worst German national sides ever.

The performance against the Ivory Coast was slammed in local media, with the Times of Nigeria describing the defeat as "humiliating" and the team as "listless". But Vogts, the former Scotland manager, preferred to concentrate on lavishing praise on their opponents claiming that his men "have lost against the best team in Africa".

The main area of weakness highlighted in that defeat was the service to the strikers. Whilst the match between Africa's highest ranked side in the FIFA rankings and arguably the strongest team in the competition, was always going to be a tense affair with little to choose between the two teams, the initiative was always with the Ivory Coast.

With 4 strikers on the pitch from the outset Nigeria were armed to the teeth with forwards; Yakubu and Martins started up front whilst Kanu and Utaka started from behind the front-line. The underlying principle behind the formation was to use Kanu as a withdrawn forward playing between midfield and attack, using him as a focal point, exploiting his ability on the ball plus intelligence to pick his moments to get ahead of his strikers.

Unfortunately from the Super Eagle's point of view, it didn't work out that way as Kanu was marked out of the game by Didier Zokora for the Ivory Coast, and both Martins and Yakubu struggled to make any sort of impact on the game. With 4 strikers on the pitch to begin with, a large gap quickly developed between the defence and attack as both sides sat back in the early stages, understandably keen not to let the first goal in.

Enforced changes in the second half had little effect as Kanu limped off after an hour and was replaced by FC Zurich based midfielder Okonkwo. The three remaining strikers being used in a more orthodox 4-3-3 formation helped little as the Ivorians retained their dominance in midfield.

Furthermore the switch to 4-3-3 meant that Martins was obliged to move wider to accommodate the arrival of Utaka in the frontline, a position he doesn't relish either in the colours of Nigeria or Newcastle. Other personnel changes in the second half saw Lokomotiv Moscow striker Odemwinge come on for Utaka and Lazio forward Steve Makinwa come on for Martins. But even the new arrivals couldn't affect the flow of the game as no service was forthcoming.

The 23 man squad Nigeria doesn't possess any player who can assume the role of Jay-Jay Okacha, the former Bolton Wanderers and PSG midfielder who has since retired from international football. Later in the match Chelsea midfielder Jon Obi Mikel was asked to push further forward and try and play a few passes through in homage to Jay-Jay, but this isn't Mikel's natural game. He is a midfielder who brings hard-work and tackling to the midfield, not clever passing.

Of the 8 forwards called into the team, only Kanu and Odemwinge have any experience of playing in a withdrawn role. How Nigeria must have envied the Ivory Coast after they made changes at half-time to give them a better shape. With Lyon's record signing Kader Keita coming on down the right side to introduce some extra width, and Bakary Kone, the Nice midfielder, slotting into the whole, the Ivory Coast are much better equipped to change tactics.

With so many good strikers available Nigeria still have plenty of fire power within the team, but finding a player capable of providing the service must be high on the list of priorities. Using Odemwingwe as a winger may be a possibility; he has played as a left winger in the past for Lille prior to his move to Russia, although that would still leave an imbalance on the right. Another option would be to switch to 5-3-2 with Taiwo - who looked good on the run - and Apam given more licence to get forward from wing-back positions.

Whatever formation Vogts decides to play with, raising the morale of the team will be critical to Nigeria's further progress. The Super Eagles looked devoid of ideas in the second half against the Ivory Coast as self-belief visibly drained away.

A victory against Mali will keep qualification in Nigeria's own hands whilst a draw would leave Nigeria needing the Ivory Coast to beat Mali in the final game of the group and Nigeria needing to beat Benin by more than 1 goal.

With Vogts being told that only ultimate victory in this edition of the tournament will keep him in the hotseat, unless a rapid solution to Nigeria’s service problems is found the German may be back on the job market sooner than he wishes.

Nigeria 0 - 1 Ivory Coast

The Ivory Coast deserved their win over a Nigeria side that couldn't quite match the lustre of the Elephants...

Salomon Kalou's tremendous solo effort 66 minutes in separated the West African titans in a match that will have repercussions right until the tournament's end.

The Ivorians looked more disciplined and accomplished throughout, and while Nigeria may feel that they should have had a first half penalty, the Elephants' second-half showing was more than enough for the win.

Ghana versus Guinea may have caught the imagination of the hosting support, but this was the fixture that was to really seize the world's attention. Africa's number-one ranked team, the Super Eagles, facing off against tournament favourites Ivory Coast.

The players seemed up for the occasion from the outset, although there was little by way of nationalistic posturing between them. Instead, the European superstars who play with and against each other so regularly exchanged handshakes prior to the match.

Then hostilities began.

Any talk of a cagey opening was soon dismised as John Mikel Obi teed up Nigeria's centre-forward Kanu for a long-range effort, but the Portsmouth man's shot flashed just wide.

Long-range shots were largely the staple of the first half, with mixed results: Taye Taiwo was inches away from opening the scoring 16 minutes in with a thundering 35-yarder that hit the crossbar, while Yaya Toure brought out the best in Ejide with his own distant effort.

That shot twenty minutes in signalled the start of a period of Ivorian dominance in midfield, but Nigeria should through Utaka that they can be dangerous on the break: the powerful forward broke through on the half hour mark, but pulled his attempt wide.

The most dramatic moment of the half came through another Super Eagle surge forward. Obafemi Martins fell in the box under pressure from Gohouri, only to pick up a booking for his troubles. There did appear to be the slightest bit of contact, but the Tunisian referee was adamant that the Nigerian had taken a dive.

The tempo slowed as half time approached, with it far from apparent that there was a goal in the offing.

Ivory Coast boss Gerard Gili hooked the booked Gohouri in favour of Kader Keita of Lyon at half time, replacing defensive influence with forward in an attempt to turn the game.

However, there was surprisingly little action to shout about - a Danny Shittu header wide of the target notwithstanding - in the early stages of the second period, with the midfield battle the most engrossing part of play.

But when the goal eventually came, it was well worth waiting for, and it came from the boot of Salomon Kalou. The Chelsea forward weaved his way with power and aplomb all the way from the midfield to the centre of the area, where he slotted home from twelve yards. A mesmerising run - the ex-Feyenoord man cut inside past his marker, strode into the box, turned a lunging defender, and another, reached the penalty spot and finally launched a cool finish goalwards. A world-class goal, indeed.

What followed was a world-class miss. Keite did extremely well to break past Apam into the box, but steered his close-range effort wide when hitting the target would have been easier. 2-0 it wasn't.

Nigeria then attempted to take the initiative, but the Ivory Coast took advantage of the new spaces on the pitch to drive forward. Didier Drogba tried his luck with a 35-yarder, only to trundle his effort off the defence.

The Super Eagles threw the dice, with Odemwingie coming on for Utaka and then Martins trudging off to be replaced by Makinwa. But Berti Vogts' hopes of his side becoming the "Germany of Africa" seemed forlorn as the Ivory Coast again pressed their advantage.

Tight at the back, even the offensive influence of the now-attack-minded Nigerian defensive line couldn't ruffle the Ivorians overmuch, the active Taiwo finding himself frustrated on two occasions as he sought the final ball.

Belief was clearly on the wane in the Super Eagles camp, particularly after Yakubu's low shot - perhaps Nigeria's best chance of the second half - went wide.

Indeed, the Ivorians enjoyed the final chance of the game, with Kalou shooting off-target. He'd done enough already, though - more than enough.

Drop your comment on any of my posts let me know where I am getting it wrongh

CAN 2008 Preview: Ivory Coast - Nigeria

What: African Cup of Nations, Group B
Who: Ivory Coast vs Nigeria
When: Monday, 21 January 2008, 17:00 GMT
Where: Sekondi Stadium, Sekondi-Takoradi

This is arguably the biggest encounter in the group stages of the competition, and a great advert for African football. The first of the battle of the West Africans in Group B sees Nigeria, who are the number one FIFA ranked team in Africa, square off against the number one contender for the continental trophy.

There has been much hype and talk about this encounter and both teams will be under immense pressure to get something from the game.

The Ivorians won the last meeting between the two sides, thanks to that controversial Didier Drogba goal in one of the semi-final games at the last edition of the tournament in Egypt.

But for all the hype and history, it's hard to see this encounter producing the sort of sparks that is expected. It is going to be mainly a game of the defences: which one holds out longer, which one avoids making that silly mistake. That’s all it would take for a Didier Drogba, Yakubu Aiyegbeni, Salomon Kalou or an Obafemi Martins to pounce and seal the encounter for his team.

The sides both know they are favorites to emerge from this group and will enter the game with a very cautious mindset, knowing failure to get something from this game would put them in a lot of pressure in their remaining group fixtures and all but kill off the possibility of sealing top spot.

That said, the sparks could start flying if a goal gets scored early in the game. The chasing team will come out and force the opponents into either lying back and defending or returning the attacks.

The result of this game will surely go along way in influencing who gets to qualify from the group. A loss for either Nigeria or the Cote d'Ivoire men will put them under immense pressure when they face the group’s other big gun, Mali.

I always regard the Ivorians as the “Dutch-team” of African football. Aside from their orange jerseys, they have that completeness that is lacking in several other African sides. They have a strong defence marshaled by Kolo Toure; a midfield that holds, creates, and moves; and an attack that parades some of the most potent strikers in world football.

The Elephants would most likely be playing a 4-4-1-1 formation, which has always favored burly striker Didier Drogba. The Nigerians are expected to retain a 4-3-3 setup that will seek to rely more upon the capabilities of their enviable strike force, with the pacy Martin looking to cause some problems for the Ivorians.

The midfield battle looks like a straight fight between Didier Zokora and Mikel Obi. These two players will surely determine the pattern and pace of play for their respective teams. Whoever gets to close one down would have effectively granted his team the upper hand.

FORM GUIDE

Cote d'Ivoire (full internationals only)

12 Jan 08 - Kuwait 0-2 Cote d'Ivoire (Friendly)
21 Nov 07 - Qatar 1-6 Cote d'Ivoire (Friendly)
17 Nov 07 - Angola 2-1 Cote d'Ivoire (Friendly)
17 Oct 07 - Austria 3-2 Cote d'Ivoire (Friendly)
08 Sep 07 - Gabon 0-0 Cote d'Ivoire (ANC Qual.)

Nigeria (full internationals only)

09 Jan 08 - Nigeria 2-0 Sudan (Friendly)
20 Nov 07 - Switzerland 0-1 Nigeria (Friendly)
17 Nov 07 - Australia 1-0 Nigeria (Friendly)
14 Oct 07 - Mexico 2-2 Nigeria (Friendly)
08 Sep 07 - Nigeria 2-0 Lesotho (ACN Qual.)

CAN 2008 Preview - Nigeria

If the FIFA rankings are to be believed, Nigeria are the strongest team in Africa. Currently ranked 19th in the listing made by FIFA, 6 places ahead of Cameroon on the global list, 19 ahead of the Ivory Coast and a full 24 in front of the hosts Ghana, Nigeria therefore should be considered as red hot favourites for the forthcoming African Cup of Nations.

But whilst the squad is packed full of quality players, including several potent strikers, the balance of the side doesn't look quite right. For that reason Nigeria haven’t exactly been placed in the category of tournament favourites in the way that the Ivory Coast, Ghana or Cameroon have.

Nigeria have recorded the highest position in African largely thanks to their consistent performances in recent editions of the tournament, recording three third place finishes in the last three African Cups. However, football doesn't recognise bronze medals - except in the theoretical world of FIFA rankings - and the truth is that over the past 15 seasons since Nigeria started this golden generation the trend has been largely downwards.

Nigeria burst onto the scene in 1994 when they qualified for their first ever World Cup in America, reaching the second round before going out to eventual winners Italy. Then, they subsequently won the Olympic Gold in Atlanta two years later. 1994 also saw Nigeria win their last African Cup of Nations, but tournaments after that were ruined after Nigeria withdrew in 1996 and disqualified from the 1998 tournament as a result.

Nigeria, then, had never quite been able to take the final step and fulfil Pele's prediction that an African team would win the World Cup before the turn of the century. The World Cup in 1998 saw them qualify again from the group stages, going out again in the second round to Denmark, whilst the 2000 edition of the African Cup of Nations saw them finish as runners-up despite enjoying home advantage.

The World Cup in 2002 was a disappointing affair after they were placed into the Group of Death along with England, Sweden and Argentina. Indeed, they exited at the first round stage with only 1 point from their three games. Since then Nigeria have always been in the semi-final stages of the African Cup but have never quite had enough to make the final, losing to eventual winners in both 2002 and 2004, Cameroon and Tunisia respectively, and to the Ivory Coast in 2006.

Under Berti Vogts. Nigeria comfortably qualified for the tournament. finishing top of Group 3 amassing 15 points from their 6 games, their only loss coming away to Uganda in June. Friendly results have been acceptable, beating Sudan and Switzerland but losing to Australia.

The question is for this generation, can they bestow themselves with an international title? The team is largely composed of players based in Europe and there isn't one locally based player in the squad. Teams under Berti Vogts have always had a reputation of being defensively solid with not too much going forward, but that accusation can't be levelled at Vogts this time after he called up 8 out-and-out strikers into his selection. Whether this is just because there is a lack of Nigerian talent in defence and midfield or because he genuinely believes attack is the best way is open to debate but ,inadvertently or otherwise, Nigeria are going to be obliged to press forward.

Although Vogts played 4-4-2 when in charge of Scotland during a disappointing spell the sheer number of strikers and central midfielders along with an almost total absence of wingers suggests that Vogts is contemplating a 4-3-3 formation with Kanu as a spearhead.

In goal Vincent Enyeama will be probable first choice. He has 35 caps and is currently with Hapoel Tel Aviv having recently earned himself a lucrative transfer to one of Israel's top clubs after an excellent spell with Bnei Yehuda. Enyeama helped his Nigerian club side Eniyamba to successive African Champions League victories in 2003 and 2004 and was also back-up for the World Cup in 2002. Following in Enyeama's footsteps at Bnei Yehuda is back-up Dele Aiyenugba. Third choice will be Bastia based Austin Ejide, who with 12 caps, is also an experienced keeper despite being only 23 years old.

Defensively the best known player is former Marseille and current Everton centre back Joseph Yobo. A formidable defender, Yobo has become a first choice at Goodison Park after his arrival maturing into a solid player as well as a potent threat at set pieces thanks to his ability in the air. The centre-back place alongside Yobo is still up for grabs with OGC Nice defender Onyekachi Apam leading the way. Apam is first choice for his club Nice and is a near-ever present for the side currently occupying a solid 5th place in Ligue 1.

Another possibility is Watford centre-back Danny Shittu, who has been in fine fettle this season helping his side to the top of the table in the Championship as they look to bounce back to the Premiership at the first attempt. Shittu has only 3 caps but at the age of 27 has the chance to stake a first team spot for his adopted country. Finally Vogts may consider the Steaua Bucharest and former Partizan Belgrade defender Ifeyani Emeghara, who at 23 will also see this as a chance to state his claims alongside Yobo.

Left back duties will be taken care of by the exciting Taye Taiwo. A through back to some of the more exuberant African defenders of recent years Taiwo loves to bomb forward and is sometimes caught upfield if the opposition attack down the right wing. Taiwo also fancies himself as a Roberto Carlos clone with his free-kicks, and although he generates plenty of power with his cannonball shots they are seldom in danger of troubling the opposition goalkeeper!

On the right side of defence, the highly rated Rabiu Afolabi, currently with French side Sochaux, should be first choice. Afolabi helped his side win the French Cup last season and is being followed by a number of Europe's top clubs.

The midfield players called up are predominantly central ones with Chelsea midfielder Jon Obi Mikel the best known. Mikel has claimed a regular first team spot this season at Stamford Bridge after arriving in controversial circumstances from Norwegian side Lyn Oslo, with Manchester United claiming he had also signed for them. Eventually Mikel was allowed to join Chelsea and he has developed into a hugely promising player during his spell in West London.



He will be joined by Sunderland based Dickson Etuhu, who has 14 appearances for Roy Keane’s side under his belt after joining in the summer from Norwich. Etuhu started his career with Manchester City and was also with Preston North End, playing the majority of his football in the Championship. Although Sunderland find themselves in some relegation trouble, Etuhu has looked a decent player helping out defensively as well as getting forward to good effect.

Seyi Olofinjana also came to England via Norwegian football, joining Wolverhampton Wanderers from Brann after turning down an offer to join Monaco. Olofinjana, like Etuhu, is a true box to box midfielder and will be seen at both ends of the pitch.

Other midfield options include the controversial figure of Onyekachi Okonkwo, currently with Swiss side FC Zurich. Okonkwo is another of the Eniyamba players who broke through in the wake of their successive victories in the African Champions League, firstly joining South African side Orlando Pirates. An unsettled two year spell there was blighted with several sendings-off: one time in the wake of a red card in the South African Super Cup, he had threatened to kill the referee, who had sent him from the field.

His arrival in Europe was also troubled after he left German team 1. FC Koln after just 1 week, claiming he was there for no more than a 7 day trial while the club insisted he had signed a 4 year deal. The matter was eventually resolved, and Okonkwo appears to have settled down for the time being in Switzerland.

Up front Nigeria are blessed with some excellent options, who are both good in the air and quick. Berti Vogts will have his hands full getting the best out of the diverse range of forwards available to him.

Now 31, Kanu may view this tournament as his last chance to win a notable prize with his country - the Olympics in 1996 excepted - and his presence will be key. More than just an excellent target man, Kanu loves the ball to his feet and his thoughtful use of the ball ensures that his fellow strikers are also brought into play. Accustomed to play as the central forward with two beside him at Portsmouth, he will most likely have the same role assigned to him in Ghana.



Through the centre Nigeria could also call up Yakubu and Stephen Makinwa. Both are less mobile than Kanu but possess more of a physical presence. Yakubu should be well known to English fans after spells with Portsmouth and Middlesbrough and now with Everton since his £11 move in the summer. The terrace chant goes “feed the Yak, and he will score” and this is certainly true in the green of Nigeria, with 14 goals in 32 caps, including 3 in qualifying.

Makinwa isn’t first choice at his club side Lazio but may get more of a look in if Goran Pandev moves to Bayern in the winter transfer window. Makinwa also managed to grab a goal during qualifying getting on the score sheet in the 2-0 win against Lesotho.

The fourth central option is Getafe-based Ikechukwu Uche, who joined Michael Laudruss’ team in the summer after an excellent spell with Recreativo Huela. Scoring 21 goals in 73 league games Uche showed his finishing ability but has found the going harder since arriving in Madrid for Getafe, managing only 1 Liga goal this season so far in an injury-hit campaign.

Kanu’s striking colleague at club level, John Utaka, may get the nod from the left side. Utaka has enjoyed an outstanding 6 months with Portsmouth after arriving from French football, where he failed to justify a £6 million transfer fee splashed out on him by Rennes.

Another left sided option is Peter Odemwinge, currently with Lokomotiv Moscow. The former Lille striker has only hit the back of the net 4 times in his 14 games for the Russian team, but banged in 23 in 75 for his former French side Lille after coming to them from Belgian football. Both Utaka and Odemwingwe are lightning fast, but the latter may just get the nod as he can play as a left winger as well as a striker.

On the right, Vogts could opt for Obafemi Martins also based in England with Newcastle since his £9.5 million transfer in the summer of 2006 from Inter Milan. Martins hasn’t enjoyed playing as a right sided forward with Newcastle this season looking occasionally disinterested. Nevertheless his record of 13 goals in 19 caps speaks for itself. With Kanu a more mobile striker than Mark Viduka, his club team-mate, Martins may find there is greater scope for drifting into the middle, thus being more effective.



Victor Obinna is the final striking option and could be used if Martins fails to sparkle on the right side. Currently plying his trade in Serie B with Chievo, Obinna has been linked with a move to Manchester United, so this tournament could represent an excellent chance for the 21 year old to further his reputation.

If Vogts can get the best out of the talented strikers at his disposal, Nigeria may yet taste glory. However, striking the balance between attack and defence will be a tricky path for Vogts to navigate. Eschewing wingers altogether could be a risky tactic as this will encourage Taiwo and Afolabi forward ,potentially leaving Nigeria exposed to quick counter attacks.

Nigeria will have to be on their mettle right from the outset as they have been drawn into a tough looking Group B along with Benin, Mali and the Ivory Coast. Both Mali and the Ivory Coast have sufficient attacking resources to potentially ruffle Nigeria’s defence, and the match between Nigeria and Mali will go a long way to determining who will progress from the Group Stages.

With so many attacking players in the team Nigeria will have to retain possession for lengthy periods if they are to prevent the like of Fredi Kanoute and Didier Drogba causing them problems so there will be pressure both on Kanu as targetman and the midfield to supply him with balls he can get onto.

Main man – Kanu: if possession is going to be key to Nigeria’s success then Kanu will have to play a key role in holding the ball up in the final third and setting up attacks

Prediction: quarter finalists but equally could end up winners if the attack fires