Nigeria can’t let the row about bonus payments affect them against France on Monday. But they will have it on their minds and if they don’t perform, questions will be asked about whether it was the right time to bring up the issue.
The row is a difficult one when you don’t know the ins and outs of it. It seems to be that African nations always have problems when it comes to paying money when it is due but they should pay the money they’ve said they’re going to pay.
It’s not the first time this has happened. It’s happened with Ghana in the past, but it doesn’t look good on the African nations when the main talking point at the World Cup is money.
Whatever the money situation is, they’ve got some good players.
My pick is Ahmed Musa – he looks very lively. He’s playing for CSKA Moscow at the moment, he’s only 21 and he’s showing all his ability on the world stage. His first goal against Argentina was a great finish. He wasn’t closed down quickly enough, but his shot was so fierce that it was past the goalkeeper before he could dive.
Peter Odemwingie’s fitted into the structure well since coming back into the side at the expense of Victor Moses –and he got his goal against Bosnia-Hercegovina. He deserved that and he’s serving his purpose, they have a good blend.
I also like Michael Babatunde, although he’s has been ruled out after breaking his wrist in the last game against Argentina. He’s been a driving force from midfield and he’s been exceptional. He’s going to be a big miss.
Victor Moses might have lost out to Odemwingie but he’s hardly played this last season so it’s been really difficult for him.
If you don’t play enough you don’t get the confidence that you get from playing regularly. But he’s still young, he’s only 23, so he’s still got lots of time to catch up. He will probably go to another World Cup and by then he should be playing regularly.
After the loan spell at Liverpool he’s going back to Chelsea and I think he could still have a future there. As I’ve said, it’s all about playing regularly and getting his confidence up.
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