Will Nigeria Make the 2010 World Cup?

Will Nigeria make the 2010 World Cup?

According to Nigeria coach Shaibu Amodu, the answer is a resounding YES.

Many pundits voiced concern after a below-par outing against Jamaica in an international friendly in London two weeks ago. But Amodu isn't concerned in the least.

"We are not worried by the comments, because at the end of the day, we know where we are going. Is it better for us to break bones and win a friendly against Jamaica and then go below strength to a World Cup qualifier in Mozambique and lose?

"That is the critical question. I want the team to win every match, the entire technical crew wants the team to win every match, but there are situations you get to that you know there is nothing in being penny-wise and pound-foolish."

MY POV: I tend to side with Amodu here. It was a friendly. Nothing to get too excited about.

Now should they falter in their next Cup qualifier ... well, watch out. The knives will be sharpened, calling for the coach's head.

After the Super Eagle's poor showing at the African Cup of Nations last year, a poor run in Cup qualifiers will not sit well.

Aboutrika BBC Interview

Here, a BBC interview with Egypt's Mohamed Aboutrika ahead of receiving the BBC African Footballer of the Year award. Interesting when he says he'd like to play for a top European club some day ...

To read the full interview, please click above.

Inas Mazhar: What does it mean to you to win the BBC African Footballer of the Year Award?

Mohamed Aboutrika: Of course this award is a prize, a wonderful present to me. Egyptian players have been nominees in the last few years - I remember seeing my teammate Mohamed Barakat win it too. Also, two years ago I remember when I was in the nominees for the BBC's African Footballer of the Year and reached second position. Luckily this year I came top of the list and won it. It's an honour for both Egyptian football and my club Al Ahly, I am very happy to be the winner for this year's edition.

What was 2008 like for you, with the Nations Cup and the Champions League with Al Ahly?

Aboutrika: 2008 was a tremendous year. It started in the best possible way when we were crowned champions of Africa for the sixth time and ended with a victorious African Champions league season, which I believe we rightly deserved.Overall it was an opportunity for me and my team-mates to play attractive football and be a showcase for Egyptian football across the world.

What can you achieve with Egypt in the future, in 2010?

Aboutrika: We're going to be put to the test with the challenges of our international duties coming up. Going to South Africa for the Confederations Cup won't be an easy ride and it couldn't get more intense as we're reaching the final stages of the World Cup qualifiers. We're expecting fierce competition with our group opponents. Our ultimate aim will most definitely be reaching the 2010 World Cup finals.

You've recently turned down an offer to play professionally in Saudi Arabia and to remain with Al Ahly. What do you think about your career with Al Ahly?

As long as my "flame of goals" is still lit and glowing I will keep playing football. I'll keep pushing myself to the max. Once that flair has gone, then there will be a time where I will have to stop and realise I've worked hard, achieved my goals and dreams, and say farewell to the game, to the world of football. But so far my goals are still alive - for both my club and my national team.

You've received many offers also to play in Europe, but why have we never seen you in Europe?

Aboutrika: I've received many offers from many clubs but most of them were not honourable enough for my club to consider. However I do still have the desire to excel and play for a big team in Europe, and as long as the offer is sufficient enough for Al Ahly I believe they won't prevent me from leaving and achieving one of my wishes in football.