Reaching the quarter finals would also be a first for Nigeria, of course, the Eagles’ previous best being second round exits in 1994 and 1998, and if Les Bleus exploits so far in Brazil are anything to go by, there’s a good chance 2014 will end In like manner.
Didier Deschamps’ side have been one of the form sides of this World Cup, scoring eight goals to finish unbeaten atop Group E and putting on a devastating counter-attacking clinic in their 5-2 demolition of Switzerland 10 days ago.
Blessed with impressive strength in depth, the French have options throughout their squad. Captain Hugo Lloris is likely to keep his place in goal, with full backs Mathieu Debuchy and Patrice Evra returning ahead of Bakary Sagna and Lucas Digne, who started the last match. Liverpool’s Mamadou Sakho has had injury trouble and may miss out this time – but Deschamps still has Laurent Koscielny, Raphael Varane and Eliaquim Mangala to call on.
They look even stronger in midfield, where orchestrator Yohan Cabaye will return from suspension. His supporting cast will include Blaise Matuidi and one of Paul Pogba or Moussa Sissoko. Karim Benzema will lead the attack again, with two of Mathieu Valbuena, Antoine Griezmann, Olivier Giroud and Loic Remy backing him up.
Needless to say, none of those options indicate a significant drop in quality, and beyond the names on the team sheet, this team has displayed impressive cohesion and teamwork so far. Whatever team Deschamps puts out, Nigeria will be up against their toughest test yet at this World Cup.
That is not to say they cannot be beaten though. They showed some lapses in concentration in conceding two late goals against Switzerland – admittedly they were five up already - and were rather profligate in front of goal in their last group match – a goalless affair against Ecuador.
Besides, Nigeria presents a different challenge to what they faced against Honduras, Switzerland and Ecuador. For one thing, the Eagles are far less likely to throw all caution to the wind and leave themselves open to France’s rapid counter attacks. Secondly, Keshi’s team - despite shipping three goals against Messi and co. - is quite well organized defensively and should deny Benzema and co. the kind of room they need to wreak havoc.
That is if they play to the best of their abilities. For the Super Eagles are not without their problems, chief among which is the underwhelming form of key midfielder John Obi Mikel. The Chelsea man will need to improve on his recent showings – pass more decisively, protect the ball better, help more defensively – if the Eagles are to cope with France’s tireless midfield.
Keshi also faces one major selection problem; who to replace Michael Babatunde at the point of midfield. Victor Moses should return from injury and could play the role – or free Osaze Odemwingie to fill in. Beyond those two, Ramon Azeez, Michael Uchebo and Rueben Gabriel are other options, none of which particularly inspires confidence, but whoever plays will have to work hard to stifle Cabaye’s passing from deep.
A major positive for Nigeria is that the Eagles have improved from one game to the next here, and have the potential to step it up a tad more. They certainly ended the Argentina game in fine fettle. Nigeria will again look to defend well, pick on loose balls and transition quickly. The pace and power of Moses, Ahmed Musa and Emanuel Emenike will trouble any defense – if they get timely, accurate service.
At the back, the ever impressive Kenneth Omeruo will have another tough test in Benzema – he has had plenty of practice with Dzeko and Higuain though - and the Eagles will need to be particularly alert at set-pieces if the aerially-lethal Giroud starts. But the French also boast powerful runners from midfield in Sissoko, Pogba and Matuidi, and the Eagles will need a full team effort to keep them at bay.
Any which way you slice it – current form, players, strength in depth – the French start this one as favorites.
The World Cup is about upsets though, and Keshi and his team could well be on the verge of Nigeria’s finest football moment yet.
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