Abdulsalam Hassan
The super eagles of Nigeria qualified for FIFA world cup for the sixth time in history after defeating the chipolopolo of Zambia in Uyo, last year.
Eagles qualified from group of death that feature Zambia, African champion (Cameroon) and Algeria.
Nigeria first appearance in the FIFA world cup was in 1994 and was managed by Clemens Westerhof, Super Eagles of Nigeria topped their group which included Argentina,
Bulgaria, and Greece. Nigeria defeated Bulgaria 3–0, lost to Argentina 1–2, and reached the second round after a 2–0 victory over Greece. In the second round the Super Eagles played Italy and took the lead with a goal from Emmanuel Amunike at the 25 min. The Super Eagles were within two minutes of qualifying for the Quarter-finals of the 1994
World Cup but Roberto Baggio scored to take the game to extra time. He also scored the eventual winning goal. The game ended
2–1 in favour of the Italians.
They also claimed a spot in 1998 for second time at the event after they qualify from high Optimism due to the return of most 1994 squad members. The
Super Eagles were drawn into group D with Spain, Bulgaria, Paraguay. The Super Eagles scored a major upset by defeating Spain 3–
2 after coming back twice from being 1–0 and 2–1 down.
The Eagles qualified for the second round with a win against Bulgaria and a loss to Paraguay. The team’s hopes of surpassing its 1994 performance were shattered after a
1–4 loss to Denmark.
They also feature in 2002 event for the third time with a new squad and distinctive pastel green kits the Super Eagles were expected to build on its strong performances in the 2000 and 2002 African Cup of Nations where the Super Eagles finished in 2nd and
3rd places respectively. The Super Eagles were drawn into group F with powerhouses Sweden, Argentina, and England. The first game against Argentina the Super Eagles lost the game 1–0 to
Argentina. Nigeria’s second game against Sweden saw them take the lead but later lose 2–1. The Super Eagles then drew 0–0 with England and bowed out in the first round. It is painful that they did not feature in 2006 event.
South Africa hosted the 2010 event and Africa has the opportunity of 5 slot which eagles claimed 1. Super Eagles played in FIFA world cup for the fourth time and they were in the same group as Argentina, Greece and South-Korea. They lost against Argentina
1-0, lost against Greece 2-1 and drew the last game against South-Korea 2-2 to bow out of the tournament in the group stage.
The Super Eagles participated in 2014 event for the fifth time and started their campaign with a disappointing 0-0 draw over Iran. The second game against Bosnia and Herzegovina gave the Super Eagles their first World Cup win since 1998 by a lone goal from Peter Odemwingie. They faced Argentina in the final game
where Lionel Messi scored in the 3rd minute to give Argentina the lead and almost instantly the Super Eagles equalized with a
fine goal by Ahmed Musa. Messi again gave Argentina the lead back just before half-time and in the second half Musa leveled the
game out again, only for Marcos Rojo to put Argentina 3-2 ahead minutes later. The Super Eagles lost the match, but still qualified for the last 16. The Super Eagles faced
France, and held them off until the 79th minute when Paul Pogba header gifted France the lead which then followed by an own goal by Joseph Yobo in injury time to
put the result beyond any doubt and the Super Eagles were out of the tournament.
Super Eagles will feature in 2018 event for the sixth time.
