Preview: Ireland vs. Nigeria

The Republic of Ireland could walk into Friday’s friendly match against Nigeria with the mindset that it’s just a little run out. It is called a friendly for a reason, after all. However, Nigeria are one of world football’s perennial under-achievers and sleeping giants; a team full of the kind of physical talents that the fans and FA of the Republic of Ireland could only dream of. Quite simply, they have the ability to lose to Ireland 4-0 on their worst day, and the ability to demolish Ireland 4-0 on their best day. That’s why this game is unpredictable, and why the Irish squad should take it seriously. If Nigeria bring their “A” game, you’re either going to get a fantastic warm-up for competitive games like the one against Bulgaria next Saturday, assuming you bring your “A” game too, or you’re going to have your confidence shattered if you don’t. This game may not show Ireland’s ability to deal with the Spains and Argentinas of the world, but it will show their ability to deal with top physical talents. If this year’s Premier League season is any indication, Richard Dunne has a problem dealing with guys with the physical capabilities of Obafemi Martins, Victor Obinna, and Ikechukwu Uche. Ireland has a more experienced and gelled squad, but let’s be honest, they don’t have the pace to out-play Nigeria in a fast game, and they don’t have the midfielders to play like Barcelona.

Here’s my predicted lineups and result:

Republic of Ireland

GK Given
LB Kilbane
RB Kelly
CB Dunne
CB St. Ledger
LM McGeady
RM Lawrence
CM Whelan
CM Miller
ST Keane
ST Doyle

Nigeria

GK Enyeama
LB Taiwo
RB Apam
CB Yobo
CB Odiah
DM Mikel
CM Yussuf
CM Etuhu
RF Obasi
LF Uche
CF Martins

Result

Nigeria 2-1 Ireland

-Kevin McCauley