TheCable

After unimpressive friendly encounters that ended in two draws and a loss, Nigeria’s chances at the World Cup are now in the hands of the Fantastic Four!

Well, maybe the Reliable Four would have been a more appropriate name for the quartet of Vincent Enyeama, Ogenyi Onazi, John Mikel Obi, and Emmanuel Emenike, who form the spine of the Super Eagles.

But it seems it is a miracle the Super Eagles need in Brazil and miracle can only be possible like in the case of the original Fantastic Four who were exposed to cosmic rays, which made Reed Richards, Susan Storm, Ben Grimm and Johnny Storm to have amazing new powers.

For Enyeama et al, this cosmic ray will give them distinct qualities of former Nigeria ex-internationals; and like the Marvel Comic heroes, they will practically have the ability to stretch their bodies in any way they want: turn themselves, objects and other people invisible; transform into a rocky, super-strong behemoth; and set themselves on fire to fire the Eagles to glory in Brazil.

Vincent Enyeama

Date of Birth: 29/08/1982

Birthplace: Kaduna

Position: Goalkeeper

Caps: 91

Club: LOSC Lille (France)

Essential Super-hero traits needed in Brazil

Athleticism and speed: The ability to get around the area quickly and jump high to cut out crosses, as Lemmy Issah did so well.

Command: The decisiveness of Peter Rufai, who commanded his penalty area, directed colleagues and gave his defenders confidence.

Vision: An awareness of possibilities, like Wilfred Agbonavbare’s alertness in starting an attack with a quick throw-out.

Judgment: Knowing, like Ike Shorunmu, when to leave the goal to punch clear and when to stay on the line.

Bravery: The courage to dive around in the penalty box like Willy Okpara, ignoring the flying boots of forwards.

 Ogenyi Onazi

Date of Birth: 25/12/1992

Birthplace: Jos

Position: Centre-midfield

Caps: 21

Club: SS Lazio (Italy)

Essential Super-hero traits needed in Brazil

Anticipation: The speed of thought and movement of Emeka Ezeugo, who snuffed out danger by getting to the ball first.

Control: The coolness under pressure of Friday Ekpo, who was always comfortable on the ball.

Heading: The strength in the air of Thompson Oliha, who got up high to clear his lines with powerful headers.

Starting attacks: The ability to bring the ball out of defence and feed the forwards, which was a hallmark of Sunday Oliseh.

Marking: The close marking skill of Moses Kpakor, who prevented the ball from reaching his opponents.

 John Obi Mikel

Date of Birth: 22/04/1987

Birthplace: Jos

Position: Centre-midfield

Caps: 59

Club: Chelsea (England)

Essential Super-hero traits needed in Brazil

Strength and energy: The ability of Mutiu Adepoju to work in all corners of the pitch with the same determination and power in the 90th minute as in the first.

Positioning: The creative sense of Etim Esin to make space and probe defences with telling passes.

Shooting: The aggression to support the attack like Finidi George and to shoot decisively when given the chance.

Technical skills: The ability of Austin Okocha to control the ball instantly and the flair to trick opponents in limited space.

Ball winning: The tackling ability of Sunday Oliseh, who can win the ball from the opposition and quickly switch defence into attack.

Emmanuel Emenike 

Date of Birth: 10/05/1987

Birthplace: Otuocha

Position: Striker

Caps: 25

Club: Fenerbahce (Turkey)

Essential Super-hero traits needed in Brazil

Shooting ability: The power and accuracy of Daniel Amokachi, who also had the confidence to shoot whenever he got the chance.

Heading: The ability of Samson Siasia to out-jump defenders and direct perfectly-timed headers towards goal.

Enthusiasm: The hunger for goals that keeps Victor Ikpeba chasing half chances for the full 90 minutes.

Technical skills: The coolness and control of Nwankwo Kanu, who took any chances that came his way in the box.

Opportunism: The positional sense of Rashidi Yekini, who always managed to get into scoring positions.