All is now set for the 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup in Russia, with the opening ceremony billed for Saturday.
Eight nations will battle it out to take over defending champions, Brazil.
Even with the Super Eagles missing out on the showpiece, it still promises to be a memorable soccer spectacle, parading some of the very best football stars in the world.
Nigeria indeed may have made it to the quadrennial showpiece just twice but that was enough for some of its contingents to leave a legacy.
That said, we look at the top four to have participated in the competition.
- Mikel Obi
The 2013 edition was where Mikel Obi’s true exceptional and charismatic qualities did come to the fore. Playing alongside Sunday Mba and Fegor Ogude in midfield, the 31-year-old was Nigeria’s anchor man, with everything positive starting from him. He even scored a rare goal, in spectacular fashion against Uruguay.
- Daniel Amokachi
After putting up a solid performance at the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations and the FIFA World Cup, all eyes were on the Super Eagles at the Confederations Cup one year later. And they didn’t disappoint, finishing fourth at the event. Though the team was made up of a galaxy of stars, however, it was Daniel Amokachi, who shone the brightest with two vital goals.
- Nnamdi Oduamadi
Not so many Nigerians have been fortunate enough to play in an international competition, let alone score. Yet, Nnamdi Oduamadi, not only enjoyed a rare privilege of playing in one, but notched three goals in a single game. Yes, the one-time AC Milan prodigy was his country’s star at the 2013 edition where he notched a hat-trick in the 6-1 demolition of Tahiti.
- Shuaibu Amodu
Perhaps not the name everyone was expecting at the apex of such distinguished group. But when you’re the youngest manager in the history of any international competition, then you deserve to. At 36, Shuaibu Amodu holds that record when he led Nigeria to the 1995 tourney following Clemens Westerhof’s departure.
