Thursday’s clash between African champions, Nigeria, and South American champions, Uruguay, could be the key to unlocking the Group B qualification puzzle as the battle for the semi-final of the Confederations Cup begins.
The encounter, billed for the renovated Arena Fonte Nova in Salvador, could decide who will finish second alongside Group favourites Spain for the round-of-four.
Victory for coach Oscar Tabarez’s Uruguay would weaken Nigeria’s chances of progressing to the next stage as a draw against Tahiti could see the South Americans proceed to the last-four of the tournament, while Eagles will be left at the mercy of the European champions.
Meanwhile, a draw or victory for the Super Eagles in Salvador will not only keep their impressive momentum going, but will earn them a bragging right before the final tango with the European champions, Spain.
Spain will be ready to humiliate minnows Tahiti in the first fixture of Thursday to assume top of the group, pending the results of Nigeria-Uruguay match.
Uruguay lost 2-1 to Spain in Recife on Sunday before Nigeria thrashed South Pacific Islanders Tahiti to assume the top of Group B the next day.
Presently third in the standings, former Manchester United striker Diego Forlan believes winning Nigeria has always been their watchwords and that hasn’t changed because they lost their group opener.
“Losing to Spain is something normal,” Forlan said. “Now we must forget that match and prepare ourselves to play against Nigeria.
“We knew before coming to Brazil that our most important game was against Nigeria and nothing has changed because we lost to Spain.”
The Super Eagles may have scored six goals in their first game, but their performance has drawn criticism from soccer analysts for their bluntness at critical moments of the game. After the victory, Coach Stephen Keshi was critical of his forwards for not silencing the Tahitians as early as opportunities had presented.
“I wouldn’t say I was annoyed, but I was worried when we did not take our chances because it gave our opponents hope,” said Keshi.
“We had clear chances, 100% chances, and you need to bury the goals.
After all, coach Stephen Keshi is not bothered by the underdog status ahead of tomorrow crucial encounter, he rather believes his side will have to capitalise on that to be successful again.
“Nobody gave us the chance to triumph at the Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa. We love the status of underdogs that we have here and it will help us to achieve our objective of making Nigeria and Africa proud.”
God will be with us,we have victory by Gods grace,i dont see our boys as a failure rather i see them as a success,if at least we dont win,we can draw d game,and am not afraid of spain coz they answer only names,we will beat them by the garce of God
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