World Cup 2010 Predictions: How the Eagles Can Be Super in Nigeria vs. Argentina

In what must be high on rank for toughest opening group games of Africa's World Cup, The Super Eagles of Nigeria go head to head with the Maradona-led Albicelestes at the Ellis Park Stadium in Johannesburg.

When Africa's once powerhouse and indeed the whole continent watch the game, a serious source of worry would be the presence of some of the most in-form players on the planet.

It is not a case of just having the best player in the world, Lionel Messi, in the Blue and White, but having players like Diego Milito, Carlos Tevez, Di Maria, Sergio Aguero, Gonzalo Higuain, and many more on the opposing side that must bother the good minds of the supporters of the Green, White, Green!

One can go on and on about how difficult it would seem for Nigeria, but it must be noted that at the World Cup and in football, anything they say can happen!

Enter the case for optimism, and that is the coaching crew of both teams. On one hand is a manager appreciated for his tactical and concise approach to the game, and on the other hand is a footballing legend and master of trickery, who, though, cannot be said to be a tactician but an inspirational personality to his team. Herein lies the reason for belief.

Under the guidance of Maradona, Argentina and its galaxy of stars managed to make it through to the Mundial and did not at any point inspire any confidence in their fans, as they played like band of individuals and had their top players produce below-par performances at best. The team has no defined structure, and against teams who are organized and can turn defense into attack, they can be battered and bruised. In the midst of confusion and lack of cohesion, one would seem to wonder where a manager's tactical calmness would suffice.

Lars Lagerbark had a impressive spell with the Swedish national team and has the right credentials to create a team tough to beat and organized on the pitch. He is a man focused on get the job done, and even though he took the reigns of the Super Eagles just months before the World Cup, he seems to have brought a different look to the team. They are more mobile and look better organized than in the past few years that has seen Nigerian Football decline.

What it seems would cause the Super Eagles to take the day is the possibility of Lagerback getting his tactics right and his players sticking to those. A collective positive team spirit, organisation all over the pitch, potency in attack, and definitely "luck" will help. If they can defend together, covering for each other, show a lack of respect to Lionel Messi and Carlos Tevez, play on the weakness of players like Gabriel Heinze and Demichelis, and question the lack of experience of Sergio Romero in goal, who knows...The Super Eagles might fly high.