When Samson Siasia was appointed super Eagles' team manager, not a few people predicted he would win the African Nations' cup in 2012. But even the worst football analyst knew it was going to be a tough task, with Egypt posturing as the Barcelona of Africa. Thankfully, however, with Egypt's draw at home to South Africa and with two points in four games and four points below the nearest challengers, they are practically out of the running for a place in next year's competition.
All good things, they say, must come to an end. Hasan Shehata led Egypt to victory in 2006, 2008 and 2010. But with the Egyptian Revolution at the Tahrir square in mind, Egypt stuttered. Shehata's boys have yet to recover. Shehata resigned and with it, an era ended. It would suit Nigeria, and Siasia well.
With the strongest challenger all but out, confidence should be sky-high in Nigeria. Siasia, everyone believes, would build beasts before 2012. They would take it by storm, and not even rejuvenated Ghana, underachieving Ivory Coast and dwindling Cameroun can stop them.
The signs are positive. Siasia has history beckoning and he has Egyptian Revolution to thank.