Tunde Folawiyo | How will Nigeria fare at the World Cup?
With the World Cup just weeks away, Super Eagles’ fans including Tunde Folawiyo are no doubt wondering how well the team will perform at the tournament. A number of players and NFF officials have voiced their opinions on the subject; Vincent Enyeama, the Eagles’ keeper, is optimistic about the team’s chances, and has publically stated that he believes they will reach the semi-finals. However, he was quick to add that for now, he and his teammates will be taking it step by step, and for the moment, will only be focusing on reaching the second round.
Like Enyeama, Victor Moses is hoping that Nigeria will secure a spot at the semi-finals. Moses, who currently serves as a winger for Chelsea, is cautiously optimistic about the team’s ability to get ahead at the tournament, although he noted that this could only be achieved if they are willing to listen to the advice of their coach, Keshi. He finished by saying that there is a great deal of camaraderie between the players, and that this will be helpful when it comes to attempting to realise their ambitions at the event.
Gustavo Dzugala, who was recently appointed as Nigeria’s Argentina Ambassador, refused to comment on which team would emerge as the ultimate winner of the tournament; however, he did name Nigeria and Argentina as favourites in Group F. He predicted that these two clubs would manage to defeat Iran and Bosnia.
In terms of individual players, Osaze Odemwingie has been named as someone who is likely to outshine his teammates at the tournament. Emmanuel Babayaro, who once served as Nigeria’s goalkeeper, noted that Odemwingie has a number of qualities which will help the Eagles’ to succeed in Brazil. He described the forward as dedicated, experienced and confident.
Odemwingie’s recall to the squad after a two-year absence is likely to have come as a surprise to Tunde Folawiyo, and other Eagles’ supporters. The forward has clashed not only with Keshi, but also with other Eagles coaches over the years. However, Odemwingie seems eager to put these tiffs behind him, and has spoken on Twitter of how happy he is to be back with the team. Whilst some remain sceptical of Odemwingie’s humble words, and have argued that he is merely putting on a front in order to get a place on the World Cup squad, there’s no denying that he will be a valuable asset on the pitch.
Tags: Africa, Brazil, FIFA World Cup, Keshi, Nigeria National Football Team, Osaze Odemwingie, Super Eagles, Tunde Folawiyo, tunde folawiyo africa, tunde folawiyo bio, tunde folawiyo film festival, World Cup