All eyes would be on the screen as tonight 8pm (local time), the Nigerian Super Eagles trade tackles with their Tahiti counterparts in Group B’s first match of the Confab Cup currently taking place in Brazil. For Tahiti this would be their first ever FIFA Confederations Cup game and it would be taking place in Belo Horizonte, and should they win would have caused a major upset in world football.
The Nigerian Super Eagles have remained unbeaten in 17 games since June last year, adding the African crown to their success. Tahiti on the other hand have only played two international games this year, winning one against Solomon Islands and losing the other against New Caledonia.
The side, who qualified for the tournament after winning thez Oceania Nations Cup, face a Super Eagles team surrounded by controversy and who only arrived in Brazil on Saturday.
Nigeria’s participation was brought into question after their players refused to get on the plane from their hotel in Namibia on Thursday following disputes over bonuses.
The team had requested $10,000 and $5,000 for each player for their win against Kenya and draw against Namibia respectively in their World Cup qualifiers. They had threatened to strike when this was turned down.
However, with the issue now resolved, Stephen Keshi’s squad found their way to Brazil on Saturday and had their first training session in the host city on Sunday.
Tahiti will face a tough task when they come up against Nigeria, as the Africa Cup of Nations champions have gone unbeaten in their last 17 games.
However, with the Super Eagles seemingly struggling for goals, Tahiti will hope to limit them with their strong defence – which includes star player Nicholas Valler – and potentially grab a goal on the break.
Veteran Marama Vahirua – a former France under-21 international – joins up with his country for the first time and manager Eddy Etaeta will be hoping his decision to select the Nancy striker pays off.
Meanwhile, Super Eagles forward Brown Ideye, who scored 21 goals for Dynamo Kiev last season, could be key to Nigeria’s chances, with AFCON top-scorer Emmanuel Emenike and Chelsea’s Victor Moses both unavailable.
On the Tahitian squad, some names to be monitored includes Marama Vahirua, As the only full time professional in the squad Marama Vahirua is undoubtedly the jewel in the crown for the Pacific Islanders. His success and longevity in France, combined with his status as Tahiti’s only OFC Player of the Year winner, makes Vahirua a favoured footballing son in French Polynesia. Another key members of the squad is Alvin Tehau a powerfully built forward is a member of Tahiti’s attacking arsenal and was the team’s second top goalscorer in qualifying, bagging a total of four goals across nine matches.
As it is said, your team is only as good as they play on the “D-Day”. We can only wish the Super Eagles success as they go to do us proud.