Nigerian fans happy with draw, but not with coach

NAIROBI/ABUJA - Nigerian fans are happy with their World Cup group, which pits them against Argentina, South Korea and Greece, but are worried their coach will be unable to take advantage of the relatively kind draw.

Nigeria struggled to qualify under local coach Shaibu Amodu, only getting there on the last day by virtue of Mozambique notching up an unlikely victory against group leaders Tunisia.

However, Argentina also qualified by the skin of their teeth under Diego Maradona and seem to hold no fears for the Nigerians.

“Argentina and Nigeria are in the same boat: They almost didn’t qualify for the World Cup,” Ike O. wrote on Nigerian newspaper Vanguard’s website. “Nigeria has nothing to fear in Argentina.”

If the Nigerians make it through Group B, they will be pitted against either Mexico, South Africa, Uruguay or France, raising hopes that the Super Eagles could reach at least the quarter finals.

Amodu himself, shortly after the draw, said he believed Nigeria could reach the quarter- or even semi-finals. However, confidence in the coach is low.

“This group is not a bad group, my only problem is Amodu,” another fan wrote, reflecting an opinion common in the Nigerian blogosphere.

“If Amodu cannot beat easy teams like Kenya, Mozambique and Tunisia silly during the World Cup qualifier, how are we sure this man can produce 11 good players to beat Argentina and Greece?”

Rumours abound that Amodu will be replaced by a foreign coach, possibly even before January’s Africa Cup of Nations.

Former Netherlands star Ruud Gullit was linked with the job, although the 47-year-old said on Friday there had been no formal approach from the Nigerian Football Federation.