The 2010 world cup is here, every footballing loving nation is full of anticipation. The Super Eagles of Nigeria qualified for this tournament as we all know with the help of GOD. Since the qualification, a lot of water as gone under the bridge, the team now has a new coach in Mr Lagerback(formerly the coach of Sweden). On paper this looks like a marriage made in heaven, considering the quality of players Nigeria has and the technical expertise Mr Lagerback has . I have always had the believe that the GOD that qualified Nigeria for the world cup will not forsake us, however that is down to us. In other to be successful in this world cup, Nigeria needs to adopt the role of Israel in the bible. Every time the people of Israel called on GOD he answered, and Israel was able to conquer nations that were far better than them . The books of Numbers chapters 1-6 and Samuel chapters 14-17 are proves of GOD'S work in the lives of the Israelites. The marriage between Nigeria and Lagerback was destined to happen, it was not a coincidence that the same coach that lead the Swedish team to defeat us in the 2002 world cup is now in charge of our team. GOD wants the best for Nigeria, the moment he decided to help us to qualify, there was no going back, HE has given us one of the best tactician in the game , this is on top of the talented players HE has given us. (mind you there are countries that wished they have the type of players Nigeria has, countries like Sweden, Poland and even Germany are running short of talents). During this world cup it is the duty of every Nigerian to first thank GOD for what he has given us and depend on him to help to have a good outing in the tournament. I do not know how religious Mr Lagerback is, but every Nigerian should pray for him and his assistants to make the right selection of players that will be going to the tournament . Whatever happens GOD'S WILL will be done for Nigeria in this coming world cup. Whether that includes winning the tournament itself is down to us(i.e. our faith in HIM). For the bible says " we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us"(Philippians 4:13). Prayers can make a lot of things happen, so if you fancy Nigeria doing well in this world cup, you need to start praying right from today, GOD always listens to prayers, so let us be encouraged, GOD IS GOOD.
The recent incident involving the Togolese national football team in Cabinda, Angola is a shame for Africa. For the fact that the terrorists went as far as shooting and killing foreigners to prove their point shows that the Angola authorities really ought to take great care throughout the duration of the African cup of Nations. No one should blame Togo for deciding to travel by road to Angola, for Angola should have made sure the terrorists were kept at bay since Cabinda was chosen as one of the venues for the tournament. If the terrorists had not attack Togo close to the border, they could have done it at the stadium itself, for this was an attack that was planned long before the tournament was about to kick-off. The terrorists must have known the Togolese team were passing through before planning the attack. The Togolese contingent has made the right decision to go back home and bury their dead, for human life is far more important than football. However, I am disappointed with CAF(confederation of Africa football) as they should have at least given the Togolese the opportunity to mourn their dead. CAF should have postponed the tournament and give Togo the chance to be part of the tournament. This incident is a lesson for CAF and FIFA as deep consideration needs to be exercise when awarding tournaments to countries wishing to host them.
