FRANCE 98 – General Media News Template

Events off the field are doing their best to diminish the effectiveness of a Nigerian side brimming with talent and possibility.

The Atlanta Olympic Gold medallists caused a few ripples in the footballing balance of power when getting to the knockout stages in America and if the World Cup is to ever find its way to Africa in the near future they are the nation most widely tipped to deliver. But boardroom battles are doing them no favours, with the hiring and firing of managers an unsettling background distraction.

First Frenchman Philippe Troussier was shown the door in a bizarre piece of timing just after the Super Eagles had become the first team to book their place for France 98 through the qualifying stages.

Troussier was quickly replaced by another free-thinking spirit in the shape of Bora Milutinovic, sacked himself by Mexico in November.

The 53-year-old will accomplish a unique feat this summer as he will have led four different sides to the World Cup finals, having also had stints with the United States and Costa Rica.

Despite being barred from competing in the 1996 African Nations Cup Nigeria acquitted themselves well in the qualifying round, with decent performances against Guinea, Burkina Faso and Kenya. That saw them top the table and a position in Group D against Spain, Paraguay and Bulgaria.

Wherever Milutinovic looks he can see potential stars ready to shine in France. Sunday Oliseh for example, lighting up midfield, Finidi George of Real Betis on the wing, Daniel Amokachi, who scored against Greece in 1994, the speedy and powerful Victor Ikpeba, German-based Jonathan Akpoborie, and Austin Eguavoen in defence.