Is Nigeria Ready For The 2018 FIFA World Cup?

Despite the fact that many Nigerian supporters have shown optimism that the Super Eagles will progress beyond the round of 16 at this year’s World Cup, a new study by the CIES Football Observatory research group has revealed that the Super Eagles of Nigeria have no chance of winning the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. Out of the 32 teams that will compete in Russia, the research group ranked Nigeria 22nd favourite to win the trophy despite being the first African side to qualify for the summer fiesta.

The CIES used the 2018 qualification stage matches and the clubs in which the country’ s players represent as the basis for the rankings of the 32 World Cup bound teams. Among the five teams to represent Africa at the World Cup, the Super Eagles are ranked third, 22nd overall behind Senegal (18th) and Morocco (19th) but are ahead of Tunisia and Mohammed Salah’s Egypt.

Despite the CIES publication, President of the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) Amaju Pinnick has again reiterated that the Super Eagles can go all the way at the World Cup. In his words:

“I don’t have any regret saying that Nigeria can win the World Cup.”

Nigeria have been drawn in the same group as South American giants Argentina for the third consecutive World Cup, and for a fourth time in five World Cups since 2002.

Super Eagles striker, Odion Ighalo has said it is possible for the Eagles to qualify from the group if the team stick to their game plan. However, the former Watford striker warned that Iceland will not be the whipping boys of this group. In his words:

"Iceland won't be pushovers after what they showed at the last Euros, where they shocked out a team like England,"

Despite this in mind, Super Eagles and Sivasspor of Turkey left back, Elderson Echiejile says he's confident that Nigeria will make it from Group D ahead of Argentina.

The same kind of encouragement has been coming from other African Countries with Blacks Stars of Ghana coach Kwesi Appiah saying Nigeria and Senegal will carry the hope of the Africa continent at the 2018 World Cup in Russia

Former Super Eagles coach, Adegboye Onigbinde has also backed the national team to reach the final of the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia despite the fact that Austin Jay-Jay Okotcha refuted expectations that Nigeria will reach the finals of the World Cup.

Former Nigeria coach Austin Eguavoen also expressed confidence the Eagles will go past the group stage. In his words:

"It's do-able, especially if we could go past Croatia.... We can't afford to lose our first game. It will not be easy against Argentina again, but good enough we are not playing against them first."

Argentina defender, Javier Mascherano has dubbed meetings between Argentina and Nigeria another El-Clasico

After a losing to England here:

is what Gernot Rohr & John Obi Mikel had to say.
Despite the defeat against England, some people believed Nigeria's performance has room for improvement. But this hopes has evaporated after the consequent 0-1 defeat to Czech Republic. Nigerians have taken to social media to express their displeasure. The display of team at the Rudolf-Tonn-Stadion has seen fans express concern about the country's chances in the global showpiece. Many say it’s going to be a very cold summer for the Super Eagles in Russia if they continue on this path. Below are some of the reaction tweets from Nigerians:

"Imagine Nigeria has not won any match since the launch of super eagles jersey. Abeg, we don't want our jersey to be brighter than our performance."

"I have said it before and will continue to loud it
'THERE IS NO CREATIVITY IN OUR MIDFIELD'
All we have are heavy bodied defensive minded pipo"

"World cup has not even started yet, super eagles has been loosing back to back, I pray we don't take this loosing streak to Rissia"

"The Super Eagles are low key telling us not to expect any good thing from them in the WC"

"Trying to understand super eagles team"

"With the rate of poor performances from this super eagles team we just might get evicted before the group stage even begins 😢😢"