Confed Cup: Enjoy the fun Nigeria!

Football fans in Nigeria have endured a roller coaster of emotions over the last two decades, from the glorious era of the 1990s to the failings of the following decade.

Our Super Eagles won the 1994 African Cup of Nations and went on to make their debut appearance at the FIFA World Cup same year, a whirlwind season culminating in the ranking of the team as the fifth best in the world. Though they crashed out in the second round at the Mundial yet we thrilled the global audience with our wonderful group of talents.

One year later we were rubbing shoulders with the best in the 1995 Intercontinental tournament-named the King Fahd Cup back then- now renowned as the FIFA Confederations Cup. It was the only time Nigeria had previously participated in the competition, recording a 3-0 victory over Japan, followed by a draw against Argentina before losing on penalties to Mexico in the third place match.

Eagles celebrating at the African Cup of Nations in South Africa.

The Eagles are in vogue again after their 2013 AFCON success in South Africa, and the fans' excitement has been rejuvenated. What an interesting coincidence that Stephen Keshi, the current coach, and his assistants, Daniel Amokachi and Ike Shorunmu, were members of our 1995 squad to the Intercontinental tournament! Indeed the current technical director of Chelsea, Michael Emenalo was also in the squad, together with the likes of Austin Okocha, Sunday Oliseh and Peter Rufai.

Watch the highlights of the 1995 game between Nigeria and Japan here:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uFUcmqGszJs

Keshi will lead his team out against Tahiti, the minnows in the group comprising of Spain and Uruguay. If there would be any discontent regarding the Eagles in these fixtures, then it would happen mainly if they failed to beat the Oceania champions. The Spaniards were overwhelmingly brilliant against Uruguay despite only winning 2-1 last night in Recife. Still Uruguay are top team and Nigeria would need extraordinary efforts to have a chance against them.

But then Tahiti are fresher, having arrived Brazil eight days ahead of their Nigerian counterparts whose participation was thrown into doubts due to protest over unpaid bonuses for success in South Africa in February. Now that a truce had been reached, it's time for the new Eagles to feel the ambience of Brazil 2014, at this Confederations Cup. A sort of dress rehearsal that should even motivate them to qualify for next year's show-piece.

Tonight's match in Belo Horizonte is the ideal opening game to settle into a tournament for a young squad like Nigeria, but the team must re-enact the sort of team ethic that earned them the continental title against the odds.

But it is important to remember that the trio of Ogenyi Onazi, Victor Moses and Emmanuel Emenike who were the linchpins of the AFCON squad are missing the Confed fiesta, a worrying situation for Keshi.

In particular, Onazi was a huge late blow, as the Lazio man was available until he limped out against Namibia midweek. His solidity allowed the duo of Mikel Obi and Sunday Mba to constantly surge forward and worry opponents. He doesn't possess the long range passing and shooting skills of Oliseh, but he is brilliant in awareness and combination play.

John Ogu was brought on to replace him against Namibia he seemed to favour attacking inclination than doing the defensive side of the game. So Keshi may have to look at Fegor Ogude for that role, as he has formed a better understanding playing with Mba more than Ogu.

The Eagles however lack a playmaker with the decisive passes-Mikel couldn't even make a single successful through ball against the Brave Warriors last Wednesday, yet he played for 90minutes. He wasn't disappointing in his overall-kept the ball nicely with slick passing and movement- he is just not the creator in the final. Sadly Eagles have none at the moment.

Mba would have shoulder this responsibility with his strength and daring runs to make things happen for the attackers who were disappointing in Windhoek, apart from the tormenting Ahmed Musa. Perhaps we would see Brown Ideye’s return to inject better precision in front of goal. He missed the Namibia with a hamstring problem but his experience will be valuable in Brazil.

The Eagles played with tremendous freedom and mobility in South Africa; they will have to play with similar courage to enjoy their stay in Brazil. After all it's the land of Samba, and it can't be wrong to savour the festivities of the home of football.

Come on Eagles! No tension. Have fun!