Chelsea of England star, John Mikel Obi, and his teammates at the West London’s club, Fernando Torres and Juan Mata, will on Sunday (today) battle for their respective countries in today’s final group game at the Estadio Castelao, Fortaleza, Brazil.
While the Spaniards have the lead in Group B of the Confederations Cup, they still need a point to be certain of taking top spot, while Nigeria needs to win and hope their goal difference is better than Uruguay’s at the end of the game.
Meanwhile, Nigeria suffered their first defeat in 20 matches against Uruguay on Thursday, ending a run, which started in October 2010, while Spain became the first team to reach double figures in the tournament’s history after beating Tahiti 10-0 in Rio de Janeiro.
However, the African champions do have some history on their side.
The only time the two sides have met was at the 1998 FIFA World Cup, when Nigeria defeated Spain 3-2 in the group stage.
That enabled them to top the group and qualify for the last 16, while Spain finished third and were eliminated.
Spain are unbeaten in their last 14 matches at major international tournaments.
Brazil hold the record of 28 without a defeat from 1993 to 1998.
Super Eagles Head coach, Stephen Keshi, said: “Anything can happen against Spain.
“Everything is achievable.
“It depends on how much desire you have in you.
“How badly you want it and of course an element of luck to be on your side.
“I cannot question the boys’ level of commitment and their loyalty.”
Trending
- Sanwo-Olu: We’ve fulfilled our promises
- Upholding Democracy: The imperative of credible party primaries in Nigeria, by Adebanji Dada
- FG revokes 924 dormant mining licences as minister decries racketeering
- Why I didn’t build schools as Anambra governor, Peter Obi replies Omokri
- Establish base in Sambisa forest, Zulum tells Army
- EFCC withdraws appeal against former Kogi Governor Bello
- Fidelity Bank commends Air Peace’s performance
- How AI, automation, and trusted data are shaping next-generation customer service, by Linda Saunders