World Cup 2010: “Now, Nigeria has no excuse than to lift the cup for Africa”, says Kanu
"We can stun the world"
Nigeria captain Nwankwo Kanu wants to mark his international retirement by leading the Super Eagles of Nigeria to World Cup glory- and he believes it is achievable.
The Super Eagles International claims he is hungry for Nigeria’s victory in this world cup considering the expulsion of the country back in year 2006 from the finals.
“We want an African team in the final and if that is Nigeria then it will be great, said Kanu in an interview with Telegraph.
“We have to be positive and always believe we can make it and I believe we can be really achieving of something in the World Cup.
“Being in the World Cup semi-final and finals is our aim and we can do it. That is our dream and our goal and we will want to head towards it and we can get it.”
“For me I want to score goals and if I can do that then we can do well.”
Nigeria failed to qualify for the 2006 tournament in Germany after an inconsistent campaign.
But Kanu says that disappointment makes him more determined to steer his team into the knock-out stages in South Africa.
“That’s going to make us give more, especially Nigeria, we love soccer and everybody in Nigeria doesn’t want to hear any excuse from us,” he added.
“They (Nigerians) want us to do well and the pleasure is theirs, so we really have to achieve and do something for them.”
Kanu has amassed over 80 appearances for Nigeria and was part of their under-17 World Cup winning team and triumphant 1996 Olympic winning side.
The Arsenal, Ajax and Inter Milan legend has won six league titles in three different countries, three FA Cups, a Champions League, a UEFA Cup and a European Super Cup but the game’s biggest prize has so far eluded him.
“Everybody wants to be at his best on the highest stage at the World Cup,” he added.
“It is every player’s dream to be playing in South Africa and being part of such a historic event.
Brazil legend Pele’s had prophesied that an African team would lift the famous trophy by 2010. Even though the prophesy is yet to materialise, World Cup 2010 has provided anample opportunity for the landmark achievement and Nigeria has been eyed as the real champion in achieving such a goal of putting African in the map of World cup glory.
Can Kanu boys change history and shame pessimists who portray Africa’s most flamboyant team as having no chance due to late preparation?
NigeriaSoccer_flag
But the Nigeria captain believes this year’s first tournament on African soil could prove Pele’s prediction correct.
Portsmouth striker Kanu, the most decorated player in African football history, said: “In football you cannot tell what is going to happen
Oh yes! Nigeria can do it, and in style
Source: Telegraph
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