Though hamstrung by political games at home and dissent in the ranks, Nigeria's finest soar in France

By WENDELL STEAVENSON

ele once forecast that an African team would win the World Cup by the year 2000. But Africa's potential has been more consistent than its play. Nigeria's Super Eagles have been up and down like a yo-yo. At the 1996 Atlanta Olympics they beat Brazil 4-3 in the semifinals and went on to win the gold, but they got hammered by The Netherlands and Yugoslavia in pre-tournament warm-up games. And too often politics get in the way. Nigeria's late dictator Sani Abacha refused to let them defend their title in the 1996 Africa's Cup because of a spat with Nelson Mandela. As a result, Nigeria was banned from playing in this year's Africa's Cup. The team members--most of whom play in Europe's top leagues--have been alternately treated like sacred cows and then slaughtered in the press for ill discipline.

Shambolic leadership has also dogged the team's preparations for France '98.

A flurry of arguments over money, performances on the field and intimidation has meant a succession of five coaches in just four years.

Shrugging off all these burdens, however, they defeated the favored Spain in their opening match of the World Cup, and they did it in style--coming from behind twice in the match to earn a final thrilling 3-2 victory. After that they brushed aside the 1994 semifinalist Bulgaria 1-0. With the nonchalance of champions, and already assured of finishing top of their group for a place in the next round, all but four of the usual first team were rested by Yugoslav coach Bora Milutinovic for the final first-round game against Paraguay in Toulouse. They lost 3-1. It didn't matter.

Back home, it was politics as usual. When Abacha died of a reported heart attack in early June, his successor, General Abdulsalam Abubakar, sent a message to the national team: "Indeed you cannot afford to disappoint us, because a dismal outing will further depress the national mood." Depressed it may well be after Abubakar had picked up Abacha's mantle of dictatorship, refusing, like his predecessor, to recognize the outcome of the 1993 democratic presidential elections. Some dissidents have argued that fans should boo the team in France as a sign of displeasure with the regime. It doesn't look likely to happen. When a team is winning, the only thing to do is cheer.