Tunde Folawiyo | Are the Super Eagles ready for the World Cup?
Following four long years, the Super Eagles will soon be on their way to Brazil for the FIFA World Cup. However, opinions are divided regarding whether or not they are in fact properly prepared for this monumental tournament. As a fan of the team, Tunde Folawiyo might know that the Nigeria Football Supporters Club seems to be quite confident; in a recent press conference, a representative stated that they were certain that the team would reach the semi-finals.
Amodu Shuaibu, the Nigeria Football Federation’s Technical Director, appears to be equally convinced of the Eagles’ ability to defeat their opponents, and vehemently defended them, after one journalist implied that they would not be up to scratch in time for their first FIFA game. Speaking at an event in Abuja, he praised Keshi and the team for their preparatory work, adding that the friendly matches which have been played over the past few recent months have provided the players with ample opportunity to ready themselves for the upcoming tournament. He finished by saying that he believes the Eagles are ‘doing everything right’.
Other sports commentators are more interested in what Keshi’s tactical approach will be, and of course, who he will select for the squad. Regarding the former, some have speculated that the coach will use the same 4-4-1-1 approach that he favoured during their match against Mexico. It has been argued that this would be a particularly suitable choice when the Eagles play Argentina and Bosnia, both of whom are strong attackers, but are somewhat lacking in their defensive line. The central-field positioning would enable the players to prevent their opponents from entering the forward and midfield spaces.
As for the squad selection process – a subject which most supporters, including Tunde Folawiyo, are probably very curious about – Keshi has yet to reveal his list, but has said that both supporters and the media are likely to be surprised by his choices. He explained that he has been carefully monitoring Nigerian players – both those playing in their home country and abroad – and that he will publicise the names of the selected men in the very near future. Originally, his list contained 38 players; however, this number has since been narrowed down to 30. Currently, the NFF are reviewing Keshi’s choices; after they have given their seal of approval, the list will be submitted to FIFA.
Tags: Africa, FIFA World Cup, Football, Nigeria National Football Team, Nigeria Premier League, Nigerian Football Federation, Nigerian football team, sporting generation, Super Eagles, Tunde Folawiyo, tunde folawiyo africa, tunde folawiyo bio, tunde folawiyo executive