In a traditional African setting whenever a group, contingent or army sets out for a major campaign, at the completion of the necessary rites, the elders will pray and wish them well.

The Super Eagles have landed in South Africa, where in five days time; the eagerly awaited 2010 World Cup finals will kick off. The final 23 man list was released last Monday, leaving columnists like us, no time to comment, because whatever we have to say, would have been too late.

It would not have really mattered if one observed that the team lack an out and out play maker, the midfield will suffer from non creativity, just as the attack will not be as sharp and deadly as one expects to see at World Cup level. The defence will soak up a lot of pressure but it is possible to become a blotting paper.

It is most unnecessary to identify who and who should not have been in the final list, as the Swede coach, Lars Lagerback is in the driving seat, and all one can do is to wish the Super Eagles the best of sporting luck.

The Nigerian Football Federation, (NFF) set a semi-final target for the Coach, President Goodluck Jonathan set the ultimate victory, winning of the Cup for the Super Eagles. If that does not amount to pushing one’s luck, I don’t know what it is.

However President Goodluck Jonathan will make history by becoming the first Nigerian leader to be present at the World Cup and watch Nigeria in action.

When the first opportunity presented itself in USA 94, the maximum dictator, General Sani Abacha didn’t lap it up, again in France 1998, his Chief Security Officer, Major Mustafa Hamza was hell bent to succumb to some players’ plot to sack the Serbian coach, Bora Milutinovic for not dancing to their tune.

The last time Nigeria featured in the World Cup finals, Japan/Korea 2002, President Olusegun Obasanjo was struggling to survive his first term, that he didn’t have much time for football.

So here we are in 2010 and our lucky President is accepting the invitation of the hosts, South Africa to be among 50 Presidents and Heads of State that will grace the World Cup with their presence.

On June 12 when Nigeria will meet Argentina, in one of the group matches, Jonathan will be at the stadium and this could serve as a morale booster, but if the Super Eagles are not psychologically prepared, they could because nervous wrecks in their attempt to impress the President.

But whatever the result of the match at half time, I beg the President not to do what our leaders do at home, by flocking to the dressing room to address the players. Men, this is the World Cup and such tomfoolery is not allowed. Half time lasts fifteen minutes, for players to relax, catch their breath while listening to instructions from the Coach. And many matches have been won or lost depending on how the half time break is utilised.

Where do you belong? The NFF semi-final target or President Jonathan’s outright victory? For most Nigerians, I guess the important thing is for the Super Eagles to play well, to be gameful, competitive and display good football that will be inspiring.

As much as coach Shuaibu Amodu did his best, winning the bronze at the 2010 African Cup of Nations in Angola and qualifying Nigeria for the 2010 World Cup, the uninspiring, tame and lackluster performances of his team, were his undoing. That his successor, Lars Lagerback virtually inherited Amodu’s players proved the point some of us have been harping upon that Nigeria, for now, lack quality footballers.

Take a close look at the 23 man list. 19 of them are World Cup rookies, none has had any World Cup exposure or experience and the other four, apart from goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama, the other three, Nwankwo Kanu, Joseph Yobo and John Utaka, are unfit, off form and past their peak. So what are they doing in South Africa, you may ask.

Scaling the first hurdle against Argentina on June 12 will provide the clue as to how far the Super Eagles will go. Living down the Lionel Messi factor will help. I remember at the 1990 African Cup of Nations in Algeria, the fear of world class striker Rabah Madjer prevailed on the Super Eagles so much that other Algerian strikers pummeled us with a five one bashing.

In South Africa 2010, referees will be given instructions to protect star strikers and any rough tackles will attract punishment. Our players are not adept at clinically dispossessing ball from opponents, and so run the risk of incurring free kicks and penalty kicks. If Lagerback works on this, the better for Nigeria.

If we beat or draw with Argentina, the road to the second round will be clear, provided we do not relapse against weaker opposition like we did in France 98. Whoever thought that after beating world rated Spain in 1998, Nigeria would lose to Denmark? Hopefully, Greece and South Korea will not be our “Denmark” in South Africa. I will be in South Africa to fly the flag and wish the Super Eagles a glorious outing. How about you?