Learning from past mistakes

In 1998 Nigeria had a great World Cup campaign in France. The Flying Eagles topped their group and played some breathtaking football. It all turned sour soon though. After the group stage, the players started demanding bigger bonus payments for their performance. Focus was lost and 4-1 exit came in the next round versus Denmark.

This time around, the Nigerian FA wants to avoid the same thing happening and talks are already going on regarding the tournament still over half a year away.

Spokesman Ademola Olajire has gone on record saying: "It is crucial to have this meeting with the players to prevent any form of misunderstanding which could derail preparations and execution of this tournament. Unfortunately many people have already started talking about the money and referring to past incidents - but everything will be sorted out before we get to South Africa for the World Cup. This is a positive step forward for a successful campaign".

With players like John Obi Mikel, Yakubu and Yobo, no doubt the side has the quality to go far. Everybody are looking at Ivory Coast to upheld the African honour in the continent's first ever World Cup, but in my opinion, Nigeria are just as capable. If they only could avoid off the pitch distractions, like the bonus payments from disrupting the dressing room.