Where Do We Stand?

One step closer to SA2010, that’s for sure. Coach Shaibu Amodu is on the receiving end of (very well deserved) praise and admiration. All is well, let champagne flow from the heavens.

So why this insistently nagging feeling that something dire is about to happen? On the merits of it, the Super Eagles are more technically proficient than they’ve ever been. They’re showing just about as much discipline as I’ve ever seen them display and team unity is at an all time high. Quotes like this from football365 certainly don’t hurt.

Are Nigeria the best team in Africa right now? Statistically speaking, the answer to that question is yes. Nigeria are one of two sides with a perfect record of four wins out of four in qualifying (Burkina Faso are the other). The Super Eagles were also the first nation to reach the second round of qualifying and Shaibu Amodu’s men have yet to concede a goal and have netted a dozen times.

So why can’t I just be and enjoy the high?

Maybe it’s because as a Super Eagles fan, I remember the devastating crash on the brink of glory. Most recently think back to Germany2006 qualifiers. We made some stumbles, but we recovered well enough to make it on points, only to be done in by head to head match-ups against this team.

It might be that as an avid watcher of the team, I know that the biggest obstacle to the Super Eagles is the Super Eagles. There’s also the fact that our qualifying group is just not a challenging one. Will we still stay on form if we have to fight Cameroon or Senegal for a spot in SA2010. It is most unfortunate that none of the giants of African football made it to Germany in 2006, as they are all spoiling for their chance now. Will we get in our own way, as we almost always do?

I can only hope that the answer to that question is no. There is no reason for the Super Eagles to lapse in their form. And it might just be that our time is now. Speaking as a fan of our awesome Golden Boys, Go EAGLES!