From January 10, Africa will become the cynosure of all eyes, especially followers of global football as the 2010 Africa Cup of Nations kicks off in Luanda, Angola. Three other cities, Benguela, Cabinda and Lubengo will play host to matches of the continental fiesta.

Since the first African Cup of Nations tournament was held in Sudan in 1957, host countries have failed to reach at least the semi-finals on only four occasions. In 1976, hosts Ethiopia were eliminated were knocked out in the first of two group stages. Morocco were the eventual winners after humbling Guinea in the final game. Nigeria and Egypt were the other semi-finalists.

IT may be helpful if Nigerians understand a few things about the implications of the Nations Cup for greater things in the game. The Nations Cup may be Africa’s version of the peak football competition, but it has always marked the fall of teams that are on their way to the big event, the World Cup.

NFF President Sani Lulu Abdullahi arrived in the Super Eagles’ African Cup of Nations final training camp in Durban, South African, on Wednesday morning and immediately set about giving words of encouragement to the players.

Former Eagles’ captain, Sunday Oliseh, has disagreed with the Nigeria Football Federation over the charge to coach Shaibu Amodu to achieve a semi-final placing at the Nations Cup or forget taking the Super Eagles to the 2010 World Cup billed for June in South Africa.