Another Africa Cup of Nations, another failure for the Ivory Coast's "golden generation." But while Didier Drogba
may never get the chance to lift the continent's coveted trophy, another
African football superpower is on course to end its own long wait for
succes.
Nigeria set up a semifinal clash with Mali by beating the seemingly perennial tournament-favorite Ivorians 2-1 in Rustenburg on Sunday.
The "Super Eagles" have not won the title since 1994, a year the team reached fifth in the world rankings -- the highest by any African nation.
Nigeria set up a semifinal clash with Mali by beating the seemingly perennial tournament-favorite Ivorians 2-1 in Rustenburg on Sunday.
The "Super Eagles" have not won the title since 1994, a year the team reached fifth in the world rankings -- the highest by any African nation.
Since then Nigeria has
had to settle for three third placings between 2002-10, and didn't even
qualify for last year's tournament.
It was a period of turmoil, as the country's President Goodluck Jonathan at first banned the national side for two years after a poor showing at the 2010 World Cup before world ruling body FIFA threatened even harsher sanctions, and the ruler backed down.
Under the guidance of former international player Stephen Keshi, Nigeria came through Group C with a win and two draws this month and then beat a side that the coach called "the top team on the continent."
It was a period of turmoil, as the country's President Goodluck Jonathan at first banned the national side for two years after a poor showing at the 2010 World Cup before world ruling body FIFA threatened even harsher sanctions, and the ruler backed down.
Under the guidance of former international player Stephen Keshi, Nigeria came through Group C with a win and two draws this month and then beat a side that the coach called "the top team on the continent."
No comments:
Post a Comment
Comment here