The Nation Newspaper

Tag: 2014 World Cup

  • ‘Eagles in Brazil already’

    ‘Eagles in Brazil already’

    Former international Benedict Iroha has said that Nigeria have a great chance of qualifying for the 2014 World Cup after being pitched against the Walias Antelopes of Ethiopia.

    Iroha said that the draw was good to the Eagles and that a way has been opened to them to qualify for next year’s World Cup if the players, coaches and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) do not display complacency and tardiness in their build up to both legs.

    He charged the Eagles to live up to their names as African Champions by beating Ethiopia if possible in both legs to confirm that Nigeria’s senior national team renaissance that started during the last AFCON quarter-final duel with Ivory Coast was still intact.

    “To be frank with you, this is a very good draw for us. We can’t ask for any easier draw than the one we have been offered. Though Ethiopia are a good side but the Eagles should just do enough to beat them to qualify for the World Cup.”

  • World Cup playoffs biggest test for Eagles – Ameobi

    World Cup playoffs biggest test for Eagles – Ameobi

    Newcastle United striker, Shola Ameobi, has said next month’s final 2014 World Cup playoffs will be a big test for Nigeria.

    The African champions qualified for the 10-team qualifying series to be played on knockout basis in October and November after defeating Malawi 2-0 at the weekend.

    MTNFootball.com reports that the top five rated teams in Africa in Thursday’s FIFA rankings will be seeded for the draw, which will be staged in Cairo, Egypt, on Monday afternoon.

    “The big test for us will be in the playoffs and we have to show how far we have come here,” said Ameobi, who made his debut as a late substitute on Saturday.

    The striker is delighted that he is now a full Nigerian international after he represented England at various age-group levels.

    “It’s a joy to play at the world stage. The coach and the lads have been very welcoming,” he said.

    Ameobi said he hopes his English Premier League side finish the new season at the top half of the table after flirting with relegation last term.

    “Last season was a gruelling season and this wore on our thin squad, but we hope to finish in the top half of the table this campaign. We did that two years ago and there is no reason why we should not do that again,” he said.

    His personal target with The Magpies this season is to get more game time and score more goals.

    “I want to play more games, give everything I have got and score as many goals as possible,” declared the experienced striker, who is in line to start against Burkina Faso in Tuesday’s friendly in Kaduna.