Peter Odemwingie: Nigeria Will Surprise Many At The World Cup

Lokomotiv Moscow striker Peter Odemwingie has told Goal.com that although Nigeria struggled to qualify for next year's World Cup finals, the Super Eagles are a talented team who can rise to the occasion in South Africa.

"So much was said about our qualification - some people said the players are not committed, some said we are bad players, while some said that even if we qualified for the World Cup, we can't reach the last 16 round," said Odemwingie, who narrowly missed the cut for the 2002 World Cup squad.

"Nigeria have some great players. Yes, we struggled to qualify for the World Cup, just like teams like France and Argentina, but I believe we have the team to do well at the World Cup.

"All we need now is the full support of Nigerians and we also need to plan ahead and for everybody to work together.

"I know we will surprise many at the World Cup."

The Super Eagles pipped Tunisia on the last day of the qualifiers for earn their berth to the 2010 World Cup. They recorded 12 points from six matches, a mark more than their North African rivals.  

The 2010 World Cup will be Nigeria's fourth appearance at the finals. They reached the second round of the tournament in 1994 and 1998, but failed to get past the group stage in 2002.

Samm Audu, Goal.com