By Paul Bassey, in South Africa
Never knew this day will come, so soon as it were. Rather I knew it will come but now that it has come, I do not know what to make of it. Today, The Super Eagles of Nigeria will go for a redemption against South Korea, the team that has divided Nigerians.

While some believe that the Asians will be beaten, others think otherwise. Those who say South Korea can and will be beaten have no patience with statistics. They don’t want to know the strength or weakness of the opposition. Not for them the luxury of permutations. As far as they are concerned, the Eagles are condemned to win.

Not to beat South Korea will amount to the greatest disaster for this country as far as the World Cup finals are concerned. Some time ago, I made reference to the Korea–Japan record of Chief Onigbinde, believed to be our worst World Cup record in that we got only one point from three matches, a draw against already qualified England.

A draw today will not equal that record, rather it will be the worst of the worst because unlike the tenure of the Nigerian coach dogged by unfulfilled promises, lack of respect and insults, this Oyibo has had all he wanted, including a salary that is considered out of this world.

Victory on the other hand will be a redemption of sorts, a temporary celebration for a country that has been to the second round twice before and will not mind an improvement. That we have two African countries that have already made it to the quarter-final of the World Cup, (Cameroun and Senegal) even that feat by Nigeria will not improve Africa’s record, but will go  a long way in instilling self confidence and pride.

There are of course those Nigerians who have taken a look at the matches played by South Korea and Nigeria and have come away with the belief that we cannot beat them. In saying so, they point at the quality and attitude of our squad. They fail to see that star or play that can make them rise to the occasion that today demands.

Then comes those who speak of Karma, retribution and all that. Former Abia State Governor, Orji Uzor Kalu, has joined the fray, coming from a different angle. Not for him the injustice to Amodu or the Siasia neglect. He says until the federal government and the NFF appreciate and honour Enyimba for polishing Nigeria’s image in Africa by winning two CAF Champions League crowns, we will not do well in any football event!

This, is what you get when you are a symbol of disorganization. For me no matter how hard you try, on and off the field, if you do not know, you do not know. Karma or not.Full stop.

It is my colleague Emma Okara who says “…. that you are born in a bakery does not make you a loaf of bread. You may be a biscuit, a cake or a sausage but not a loaf of bread.”

Pity South Africa
For all they have put into the organization of this dream World Cup, for shaming those who believe nothing good can come out of Africa, for a near immaculate preparation embarked upon by the Bafana Bafana I would have wanted them to progress in the competition. Alas! this may not be the case as their match against France today may turn out to be merely for pride.

In other words, even if they beat France it may not be enough to guarantee them progress in the competition. Meanwhile, can they beat France? I know the French are neck deep in controversy occasioned by the sending home of Nicholas Anelka, yet they still possess enough experience to dim a South African team that is ninety percent home-based.
Good luck Africa.
See you tomorrow.