By John Egbokhan, Abuja
President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Sani Lulu has said that the Green Eagles have equal chances like Tunisia of qualifying for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa .
With the race for the sole qualifying ticket from Group A set to go to the wire on the last day of matches on November 14, with the Eagles pl
Lulu
aying the Harambee Stars of Kenya in Nairobi while Tunisia travel to Maputo to face the wrath of Mozambique, the Nigerians are in dire need of a victory to stand any realistic chance of reaching the Mundial as the Tunisians hold a two-point lead on the log.
As both teams finalise last minute preparations for the deciding fixtures, the top brass of Nigerian football, Lulu, yesterday told journalists that the Eagles technical crew and players were aware of the situation at hand and have resolved to give it their best shot.
“This is a huge moment for the nation. As we are playing the Under-17 World Cup here in Nigeria, we are also very mindful of the fact that we have bigger task of preparing the Eagles for their last match in the 2010 World Cup qualification series.
“Both projects are important and we are giving them our utmost attention. We are in touch with the coaches and the players and they know that they have to triumph in Kenya. They want to do just that.
“The Eagles have the same chances of qualifying like the Tunisians. It is still 50-50 for both teams because they are playing away from home and anything can happen in 90 minutes. We would not let Nigerians down because the World Cup is a huge project”, added Lulu.
Hi All,
Tunisia need to focus on beating the Mozambiquans, and not focus on Nigeria’s match with Kenya.
Likewise Nigerians are too pre-occupied and obsessed with Tunisia’s match. Fate will eventuate naturally, but you cannot force it, which is what some Nigerians are trying to do.
Group tournaments rules
In all group tournaments, three points are awarded for a win, one for a draw, and none for a loss. FIFA has set the order of the tie-breakers for teams that finish level on points:
1. goal difference in all group matches
2. greater number of goals scored in all group matches
Where teams are still not able to be separated, the following tie-breakers are used:
1. greater number of points obtained in matches between the tied teams
2. goal difference in matches between the tied teams
3. greater number of goals scored in matches between the tied teams
Where teams are still equal, then a play-off on neutral ground, with extra time and penalties if necessary will be played if FIFA deems such a play-off able to be fitted within the coordinated international match calendar. If this is not deemed feasible, then the result will be determined by the drawing of lot.
Note that this order of tie-breaker application differs from that used in the qualification for the 2006 World Cup (although it was – where applicable – used in the 2006 finals themselves). If these rules had applied in 2006, then Nigeria would have qualified rather than Angol.
[edit] References. Copied from FIFA website by Wole.
Lulu, if this is your best then you do not even deserve to be a spectator.
So long as you have not removed Amodu means you cannot read situations and you don’t have the psychological dexterity to lead warriors.
If no radical and far reaching action is taken in a grave situation like this then you spell an atmosphere for complacency.
I have taken time to read FIFA regulation about teams that are head to head on points. I discovered that FIFA has changed its rule on this issue as teams that have equal points would be assessed through their goals difference and their goals for and goals against. So the chairman is right to say we 50-50 chance of qualifying for the world cup. let us keep our fingers cross and hope for the best.
This is what you get when these Aboki’s are appointed as NFF chairman. I have noticed that most people appointed to manage our sports are from the North. FRom the minister to the NFF chairman.
How many northerners are actively involved in any kind of sports in Nigeria.
Time for a change. No more Abokis or malams in sports administration. For the next NFF chairman, i recommend, Odegbami, J.J. Okocha, Oliseh and Siasia for the job.
tunisia just need a draw in mozanbique and qaulify on head to head rule if we manage to beat kenya ok
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ISRAEL
it is only God almighty that will punish you Mr. Chairman for making such mumu comments on vanguard. Saying that we have 50-50 chance with Tunisia. Is this not what we have been saying since? who even employed this man? A man clearly lacking the ability of genuine independent thought is chairman of our football. Can’t you see why things are the way they are? It is only God that will mete out his justice to you people Mallam.
head to head tunisia goes through. the four teams in this group are all yeye teams.