By Jacob Ajom
THE Coca Cola World Cup trophy tour took the touring party to the Lagos office of BBC, along Lugarde Avenue in Ikoyi Friday. France ’98 World Cup French player, Christian Kerembeu, ambassador of the Coca Cola World Cup trophy tour led the team which included Bill Gray, marketing Director, Coca cola West Africa Business Unit, among others. Also present at the event was Nigeria’s Femi Opabunmi who was part of the Eagles’ Korea-Japan 2000 World Cup squad.
A select number of football fans, invited randomly by the BBC were present and they made a meal of it.
After explaining why the trophy was in Nigeria, Kerembu reiterated that the Super Eagles were capable of causing a major upset in Russia. “Nigeria has a quality team. It showed during the qualifiers as they were the first to qualify from Africa.”
Although Nigeria and France are not in the same group, the likelihood of the two teams clashing should they qualify from their various groups is high.
If Nigeria finishes second in her group and France tops her group it is certain the two teams will meet in the second round. The question was put to the former France international, “which country will win should the two meet?”
He was diplomatic. “I think the field would decide. But I believe strongly that Nigeria has a strong team. Benzema is not playing, Giroud is not playing at his top form at the moment. But we have Griezman, Pogba and others.
“The Nigerian team is complete and Coach Rohr knows all the France squad which could serve as an advantage to Nigeria,” Kerembu said.
He said Africa had a bright chance of doing well in Russia because the game is no respecter of big names. “Football is developing globally. With Nigeria, Africa can do very well in Russia. I was pained when Ghana missed the opportunity of progressing to the semi final in 2010. All Africa need is those little details when it matters most.”
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