Thomas Campbell – USA Today Sports
Nigeria used to be one of the most successful African sides in the 90′s, as they featured several world-class players like Nwankwo Kanu, Daniel Amokachi and Taribo West, just to name a few. Their rebuilding after these players retired has been slower than expected, but today, they took a giant step towards a new World Cup participation after defeating Ethiopia.
The Green Eagles, as they are known internationally, now have several players in some of Europe’s top leagues and they are the latest African Cup winners, so they are expected to take part of the tournament that will be held next year. They are currently in the playoff stage battling for a spot, and they were able to get a positive result, playing away from home against a resilient Ethiopian side that fought the whole match to leave the three points at home.
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The match was very intense and Nigeria couldn’t make the best out of their chances, as they even suffered a goal against early in the second half. A brace from Fenerbahce striker Emmanuel Emenike turned the game around with a brace, as the visitors came out on top in a tough match that now gives them an advantage towards the second leg to be played in Lagos in November this year.
An impressive group of players led by Betis’ midfielder Nosa, Lille’s goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama and Chelsea playmaker John Obi Mikel, just to name a few, is trying to put the Eagles back on soccer’s biggest stage for the fourth time in five attempts. They can thank Emenike for putting them one step closer to the objective.
Juan Pablo Aravena is a soccer writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @jparavenarant or add him to your network on Google
