Portsmouth striker John Utaka feels this summer’s World Cup could see huge success from an African teams, with his Nigeria (11/2 to be Top African Team) side leading the way.
The forward is hoping to be part of the Super Eagles squad for the tournament and will be looking to play some part in their Group B games against Argentina, South Korea and Greece.
Utaka was not involved in the African Nations Cup but is hopeful of making it into the World Cup and he thinks Nigeria (9/2 to win Group B) can take “full advantage” of the thousands of African fans who will flood to the tournament.
Even though Nigeria have to face one of the pre-tournament favourites in Argentina (8/1 – World Cup 2010 Outright) in their first game on June 12th, the forward thinks they can “do well” against their South African opponents and also prove themselves a “tough nut to crack” for any sides they come up against.
Speaking about their opening game (Argentina 4/7 to win, Nigeria 4/1, draw 13/5 at World Cup match bets), Utaka told Nigeria’s sports daily Complete Sports: “It’s a game both sides want to win. But to the surprise of many Nigerians, the Super Eagles stand a chance of winning that game in my own opinion.”
If Nigeria make it out of Group B they are could face the likes of France, Mexico or even World Cup hosts South Africa in the second round, but Utaka thinks the Super Eagles could go even further than this.
“We can go all the way to the semi-finals of South Africa 2010 World Cup no doubt. It may look daunting, but it is possible if we put in adequate preparations and then believe in ourselves,” he said.
Nigeria only recently got a new coach, with former Sweden boss Lars Lagerback replacing Shuaibu Amodu, and he got off to a winning start with a 5-2 victory over Congo DR.
Another forward hoping to impress the new manager is Everton striker Victor Anichebe, who has just returned from a serious knee injury and told EvertonTV he is still “hopeful” about his chances off making it into the Nigeria World Cup squad.
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