GOLNOIR



	NIGERIA Fela Kuti-Shuffering and Smiling It appears that Nigeria's reign as Africa's top footballing nation has ended. During the mid 90's through the early 2000's it appeared that the continent’s most populous nation was its best hope for bringing home a World Cup. But with Cameroon capturing the past two African Nations Cups, Senegal's performance at the last World Cup and the Nigerian Federation's own internal strife, Nigerian football has entered a rebuilding phase. After capturing the 1994 Nations Cup, the Super Eagles announced the arrival on the world scene that summer at USA 94’ by winning their group and coming within 3 minutes and one Roberto Baggio away of duplicating the quarterfinal appearance of Cameroon 4 years earlier. Still players like Rashidi Yekini and Daniel Amokachi put the world on notice that Cameroon was not the only sub-Saharan team that could bring the goods. This was confirmed 2 years later when the Eagles brought home Olympic gold at Atlanta Olympics, defeating star studded teams from Argentina and Brazil along the way. With Nwanko Kanu up top it looked as if a new generation was ready to bring Nigeria among the world’s elite. However it didn’t remain that way. A disappointing 2nd round loss the Danes at World Cup 98 followed by a 3 and out at the 2002 World Cup signalled the end of Nigeria's domination in Africa and now they must reload. Rashidi Yekini’s goal celebration was one of the enduring images from the 1994 WC (worldcuparchive.com) THE CURRENT SQUAD Nigeria is a deeply talented side. Keep your eye on English based stars John Obi Mikel and Obafami Martins who have really stepped up for Nigeria and promise to have a bright international future. Obafemi Martins and John Obi Mikel (onlinenigeria) Bottom line: Nigeria is now behind the Ivory Coast as Africa’s best team but Nigeria is always a team to fear. FACTS: Association: Nigeria Football Association Founded: 1945 Soccer Confederation: CAF Colors: Green and White National Stadium: Liberation Stadium Location: Port Harcourt Coach: World Cup appearances: 1994, 1998, 2002 HONORS: African Nations Cup 1994 Olympic Champions 1996 Super Eagles National Team News Domestic News Back to Preceeding Page










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