Nigeria faces Spain in make or break tie

[SunNews]

BY EMMA NJOKU

Nigeria's Super Eagles must defeat World and European champion, Spain, in tomorrow's last Group B fixture to retain any chance of reaching the semi-final at the ongoing FIFA Confederations Cup holding in Brasil.

After a massive 6-1 victory against the group's weeping boys, Tahiti, the Stephen Keshi-tutored side succumbed to a more experienced and tactically superior Uruguay 2-1 in the second group game on Thursday. The result means that Nigeria remains on three points, same as Uruguay but its superior goals difference, courtesy of the comprehensive scores against Tahiti puts it ahead of the South America side.

Spain is already through to the semis having defeated Uruguay 2-1 in their first group game and followed it up with the tournament's all time record 10-0 scores against Tahiti on Thursday in their group's second match. The World champion, therefore, will be playing tomorrow's match for pride.

The last time Nigeria and Spain clashed at a global competition was in the group stage at the FIFA World Cup in France in 1998 and it ended 3-2 in favour of the Super Eagles. Mutiu Adepoju, Sunday Oliseh and Garba Lawal scored for Nigeria in that encounter.

Unlike Nigeria, Spain has since grown in leaps and bounds in the round leather game as it is currently the European as well as World champion. Tomorrow's match, therefore, offers the Vincente del Bosque-dreaded Spainish squad the opportunity to avenge the 1998 defeat more than 15 years after.

With an array of stars including the FC Barcelona trio of Andres Iniesta, Cesc Fabregas and David Villa as well as Xavi Alonso and goalkeeper and captain, Ikar Castilas, the Super Eagles no doubt have a herculean task on their hands.

Victory for Nigeria tomorrow may not necessarily guarantee the Super Eagles a berth in the semi-finals especially if Uruguay beats Tahiti with heavy scores that would give the South American side superior goals advantage compared to Nigeria's.

Ahead of tomorrow's match, Super Eagles' coach, Keshi, had this to say: "Anything can happen against Spain. Everything is achievable, it depends on how much desire you have in you. How badly you want it and of course an element of luck to be on your side. I cannot question the boys' level of commitment and their loyalty."

Via: Sun News Online

[Shola Sholaz]

Spain is a country that has so many great players so it would terribly difficult for Super Eagles to beat them. We just have to win.