How To Make A Chilli Outfit

Nigeria Greece South Korea

(By Gonzalo Novillo and Alfredo Somoza)

One of the references African football, at least in the early 90's, Nigeria, is presented to the great event of the continent with many doubts but with an interesting recent history. Nigeria called on the doors on the World USA 1994 ',

a generation on talent and speed, made up names like

Okocha, Amunike, Amokachi, Ikpeba, Yekini, Finidi and Oliseh . Their journey came to the eighth
-finals where they lost in overtime against Italy's Baggio in the meeting recalled the expulsion of Zola.

When the Eagles Greens' stunned Argentina in the final 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games, "predicted by many to Nigeria as the first African world champion in France 1998." With the old guard of 94 ', with Bora Milutinovic at the helm, and some young people were beginning to break, as Kanu, Babayaro, Babangida and

West, the "Flying Eagles" earned the right to dream of high levels , especially after beating Spain in the first stage, recalling the match error by Zubizarreta. Already in the second round, the Laudrup brothers Denmark thrashed mercilessly Nigeria, and ended with the huge expectations it had created this team. The step of Nigeria in the World Cup in Korea
and Japan 2002 ', which were framed in the Group of Death with Argentina, England and Sweden, have left out at the first hurdle.

After the disappointment in qualifying World Cup of 2006 '

, Nigeria returned to trust

Shaibu Amodu, who had already qualified for the' Flying Eagles' World Cup 2002 but was sacked before the World Cup, and that the choice fell in the semifinals of the African Nations Cup. On that occasion, the local coach Festus Adegboye
Oningbide He was replaced shortly before the World Cup.

In the qualifiers for the World Cup, Nigeria has faced two rounds. In the first, won all their matches against South Africa (which is playing qualification for the African Nations Cup), Sierra Leone and Equatorial Guinea. In the final group, the Nigeria coach still unbeaten but with little chance of being in South Africa, always Tunisia trailer. But in the last day, the 'Carthage Eagles' lost unexpectedly in Mozambique

(1-0), and Nigeria came from behind twice against

Kenya (2-3), thanks to two goals from Martins
, the absolute hero of the classification.

If methods, character and the preparation was not convinced Amodu tactic in qualifying, the leaders of the Nigerian Federation were not impressed with the role of Nigeria in African Cup

Angola, despite the third ranking. Nigeria was unable to perform at their level, except in the semifinals against Ghana and the match for third place with Algeria. Perhaps expectations were too high, but the fact is that in February, Shaibu Amodu was sacked again on the verge of a World Cup and became the first coach to lead his selection

a World Cup finishing third in the African Cup and finish fired a few months before the start of the competition,
twice in 2002 and 2010.

With little time to spare, the NFF (Nigerian Football Federation) surveyed several alternatives, all with the same profile: European coach with World Cup experience. Guus Hiddink, Glenn Hoddle and Bruno Metsu were in all the agendas, but was the Swede Lars Lagerback , with a reputation for disciplined, who got the position until the World Cup final, with an unreal 'target' proposed by the NFF, reach semifinals . But first must overcome a difficult group. debut against Argentina

June 12, but his real struggle to reach round is to

Greece (June 17) and South Korea
(June 22).

playing time against Lagerback. The former Sweden coach, who was not able to qualify for the World Cup Sweden has not yet been able to meet his team, which prepared a merger of two days in London, which was canceled because the European teams in the crucial phase the season refused to yield to his players. The preparation

being

disastrous, since Nigeria does not play a friendly with the new coach until 25 May when Saudi Arabia faces. Lagerback, who selected 44 players in April and May has chosen the 30 provisional. But there is one important caveat: not been able to know or see train, let alone lead them in a friendly in preparation.

So play

is very complicated analyzing a selection has not played up to the date of publication of this post, under the systems of their new coach, Lars Lagerback. The first game takes place on 25 May, against Saudi Arabia, and in this meeting, you will find some of the intentions of the Swedish coach. However, after viewing some matches in the qualifying round and the last African Cup of Nations Cup in Angola, as well as hear and read statements Lagerback is likely to 4-3-3 in Amodu passes on . With Amodu, Nigeria raised in the field a 4-3-3 formation with two defensive midfielders, a playmaker

more released and highly mobile
two extremes. The team was very broken, and there was much distance between the defense, which played backward, midfield and three strikers. Direct game is abused, especially on long passes to Mike ends. Many defensive intensity, but low concentration and very difficult to break down the opposing defense with combination play. With Amodu, was based a lot in a quick football down the flanks, although the ends pulled many diagonals. Lagerback is likely to work a lot of plays
strategy, both offensive and defensive, one of the weaknesses of Nigeria, in addition to their discipline and teamwork in the sense of attacking a block.

During his time in the national team, Lagerback generally used a 4-4-2, which was actually a 4-1-3-2
. Although goalkeepers prefer higher, as stated on occasion, more than likely be the goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama, one of the best in his position on the African continent. The two plants will be safely Yobo and Shittu, but Afolabi has its options because Lagerback also prefer high, hard and strong, it takes away options Apam. They must also have a clear exit, although he said it is not their priority.

on your system, it is essential the role of 'holding midfielder', the defensive midfielder
, acting behind the line of three offensive midfielders more likely. This paper, which held Linderoth in Sweden, is important because apart to maintain balance, you must have 'running Abilities', ie, capacity controlled the ball out from behind. Kaita fits this role. Ayila Yussuf have options and Etuhu, who could play this role. This player has to be coordinated with the defense.

The two sides
are essential in the plans of coach Scandinavian. At least one of them must always support every move of attack, so Odiah and Taiwo seem best suited for this function.

As for the forwards, playing with a priority Lagerback reference man and a second front . The first player should be able to get balls back, hold on, but above all to score. Yakubu is the most appropriate. Behind the 'panzer' Everton or Odemwingie Martins would be responsible to connect with Yakubu.

In midfield, is a priority for him

leader, a role player Chelsea's John Obi Mikel, if it comes as the World Cup after his injury. Mike would play in front of the wheel cap. Next to Mike, play two attacking midfielders who are not extreme, with some freedom to attack. Perhaps Odemwingie, Kalu Uche and Haruna enter this demarcation. This analysis will be restored when Nigeria play their first game under orders Lagerback.

CALL

Vincent Enyeama (Hapoel Tel Aviv)

DOOR

Enyeama is one of the best goalkeepers in Africa. Undisputed in the selection. Very quick, safe, sent the defense, has great reflexes and conveys a great sense of calm and authority. It was expected of him, but his career has stalled in Israel.

Augustine Ejide (Hapoel Petah Tikva ) PORTER

In principle part as the third goalkeeper, but fight for the backup job with Aiyenugba. Tall goalkeeper with good reflexes, dominates the centers in your area, but is very irregular.

Give Aiyenugba (Bnei Yehuda)

DOOR

was alternate in most of the qualifiers, although he played two games. It is an agile goalkeeper, with reflexes and good in the air. Like Enyeama and Ejide, also plays in the League of Israel.

Joseph Yobo (Everton ) CENTRAL

The leader defense and the team captain when Kanu is in the field. After the African Nations Cup, lost his place at Everton. Powerful, fast, well out of the ball, good passing and strong to ignore. However, failures make it unfit for a defense of their conditions.

Danny Shittu (Bolton Wanderers) CENTRAL

seems the best placed to accompany Yobo in central defense. Neither has played for Bolton. This is a central defender of great physical strength, a wall hard to beat for their power, but very slow in their movements and with little technical. Dominates the air thanks to its size.

Rafiu Afolabi (Red Bull Salzburg)

CENTRAL

Comes complete an excellent season in Austria. Ignored by Amodu, Lagerback has included in the preliminary list of 30 players. It aims to substitute, but is a potent central, difficult to overcome and a hazard on the set pieces with its powerful jump and anticipation.

Onyekachi Apam (Nice)

CENTRAL AND RIGHT SIDE

not noted for their height (1.77 meters), but he makes with a big jump and very forcefully. You can play at right back if necessary. Fast, aggressive and well in advance, has options to enter as a starter due to its good performance and versatility.

Give Adeleye (Sparta Rotterdam) CENTRAL

Young central defender, tough and fit. Is somewhat buggy and could be one of discards late Lars Lagerback.

Taye Taiwo (Olympique Marseille )

LEFT SIDE

The 'Roberto Carlos' Africa is a long-haul winger handed, aggressive and with tremendous projection attack. It has a violent shot with his left foot, very useful from set pieces and played well. Long time back when it rises to the attack.

Uwa Echiejile (Rennes ) LEFT SIDE

Left-round, is better Taiwo marker but does not have its punch and ability to focus on race. No plays for Rennes. It's a team player who plays in attack and defend with intensity. Individual has an acceptable technique.

Chidi Odiah (CSKA Moscow)

RIGHT SIDE

With Amodu was in the shadow of Yusuf Mohamed, injured his Achilles tendon during the African Nations Cup. Very dynamic right side, does not think the time to go on the attack. Quick and powerful must improve their schools, very vague and abrupt at times. Party starts.

Kalu Uche (Almería)

playmaker AND FRONT

playmaker

that this last season has advanced its position to the striker in Almeria. Powerful race, likes to start from the back and has a strong shot on goal. Hold the ball well, but not much scoring. In principle, partly as a substitute but it will be useful for its polyfunctionality.

Dickson Etuhu (Fulham)

MEDIA CENTER

Its high season at Fulham will be granted options holder. Very strong, dynamic, hardworking and with good tactical sense. Is an acceptable technique and is a player who brings balance to the whole lot.

Lukman Haruna (Monaco)
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midfield with travel and arrival times, has a good technique and plenty of room for improvement. Stresses in attack, but also helps on defense. It is a young midfielder, even in training, who had a good season at Monaco.

John Obi Mikel (Chelsea)

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leader in Nigeria midfield. With the selection tends to act more advanced than at Chelsea. Come very fair for the World Cup and that was just having an operation on his knee. In principle be among those invited, as their presence is essential in the field. Combines physical power, elegance and vision, and a large displacement and ability to break long lines starting with the ball under control.

Sani Kaita (Alania Vladikavlaz)

MEDIA CENTER

Ayila Dispute with the place of defensive midfielder. Hard worker, runs 90 minutes without stopping. It is provided to output, but has no set technique and vision necessary to organize a team. You need to have space to develop his game, is a dynamic steering wheel. Ayila Yussuf (Dinamo Kiev)

MEDIA CENTER

is more of a companion in the midfield, a special player in the recovery of the ball. Very strong, hardworking, with acceptable technical and good in the air, can be adapted as central as it has good tactical reasons.

Nwankwo Kanu (Portsmouth )

playmaker AND FRONT

A veteran who is their best, but attack the player with more pure talent. Elegant and technically, play like a master with his back to goal, and offer solutions coming from the bench. A famous rundown in Portsmouth has barely played this season.

Aiyegbeni Yakubu (Everton)

FRONT

Front

referral center, has great strength and a powerful shot. Very difficult to score for his physical strength, is a bull in the race, something heavy, and has a nose for goal, but sometimes it's something Fallon.

Osaze Peter Odemwingie (Lokomotiv Moscow)

extreme left and right

Far or second tip yields in the two bands, Fast, skilful and with a good dribble. Assists with accuracy and hits with both legs. Noted for its mobility and play between the lines. Party starts, in theory.
John Utaka (Portsmouth)

FRONT AND RIGHT SIDE

His good end of the season in 'Pompey' gives you options entering the final list. It feels more comfortable as a striker, but tends to act by the two bands. Speed, Dodge in the race and force are their attributes, although a very inconsistent player.

Victor Obinna (Málaga)

FRONT END AND

Forward who can also play on the wings, in Málaga has not yielded than expected. Very fast and powerful in the race, has a strong shot, but is very vague and fails goals sung. Busy in the positions of attack. It appears well positioned to be among the 23.

Obafemi Martins (Wolfsburg)

FRONT

Front
very fast, with a powerful lower body, is left handed but equally well defined with the right. Injuries have burdened his career. An accomplished scorer, but sometimes it is precipitated in the definition. It has a devastating change of pace in the immediate area.

Ikechukwu Uche (Real Zaragoza)

FRONT AND SECOND TIP

Zaragoza striker has spent the entire season seriously injured in the knee, but has become in recent parties. You can miss the appointment, given the large number of strikers and low rate of competition you have. Well known for its top speed, clear, powerful shot and mobility throughout the attack. It is not a scorer.

Chinedu Obasi (Hoffenheim)

FAR RIGHT AND LEFT

I like to slip the bands. Far too quickly, bankruptcy your bookmarks easily. Right, with overflow and power, it lacks make better decisions.
Victor Anichebe (Everton)

FRONT AND RIGHT SIDE

The young forward has become the choice due to its good end of the season in Everton. Very powerful when you start with the ball under control, you can play right heeled. Needs to improve technically, but it is an attacker that creates danger thanks to his strength and aggressiveness.

Peter Utaka (Odense) FRONT

younger brother John Utaka plays center forward, and the fewest options is to join the squad. Fast, has a nose for goal and technique to overcome rivals spaces.

Absences

The main absence from the 'Flying Eagles' is to

Olofinjana, Hull City midfielder, who was surprisingly left out of the provisional list of 30. The midfielder has not be finished with a spot in the whole of the Premier League this season.

injury is lost by appointment

Yusuf Mohamed, lateral projection right to attack, injured Achilles' tendon, which could not arrive on time.

also struck by the absence of Esperance of Tunisia striker, Michael Eneramo

, with good numbers on your club, but away from the national team because of the enormous competition in the lead.

The Bruges striker Joseph Akpala

has been cut into the list of 44, despite not having completed a bad year in Belgium.

lot of speculation is the possible presence of the Manchester City central defender, Nedum Onuoha

, born in Nigeria but raised in the UK, but eventually the player himself chose to play in the future with England. Other major players in the past as Julius Aghahowa

, who has returned to Shakhtar Donetsk, are far from his best and did not come into the pools. Nor are Christian Obodo

, Udinese injured much of the season, and Stephen Makinwa

, on loan at Chievo Verona and Lazio, far from his best.