Nigeria legend Austin Jay Jay Okocha dazzles in Yobo's testimonial match

Nigerian Legend Austin Jay Jay Okocha dazzled at Yobo's testimonial match which was between Nigeria team Vs World team. 

At the height of his prowess, the ex-Bolton Wanderer player was so good that he was named named twice Austin 'Jay Jay' Okocha. 

The ex-Bolton Wanderers Skipper still performed amazingly even when its more than a decade that he last played professional football.

Samuel Etoo who also participated in the testimonial match was intimidated by his outstanding display that he asked for the Nigeria legend to be substituted before the end of first half.

Okocha set up two goals for Team Nigeria with an awesome piercing passes that sliced through the defense line and made the opponent trilled by his great sight and vision. His feints and turns left opponents lost as he took viewers down memory lane.

Fans took to social media in appreciation of his vintage skills which looked as fresh as it was in youth despite not having played professional football for more than a decade.

The wish of Nigerian fans is for the Legend to lace back his boots and join the Super Eagles who have failed to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations on two consecutive editions.

He won't be the only legend coming back from retirement to play for the team as Brazilian legend said he is also warming up for the Olympics in August.

Nigeria u-23 coach Samson Siasia might just have seen the magic player to fill in for the tournament.

Harry Rednapp could be named Nigeria new coach

Harry Redknapp could be named Super Eagles of Nigeria new manager according to Daily Star

The Daily Star has published an 'exclusive' report that claims former Spurs boss Harry Redknapp will be named the new Super Eagles boss.

Earlier this week, Salisu Yusuf was named the interim manager for the Nigerian national football team and is set to guide the West African nation to two international friendlies between May 27 and June 1. The Nigerians are set to face Mali in Paris and Luxembourg during that period.

The English publication also claims that a source close to Redknapp has revealed that he will be named the new Super Eagles boss in 'the next few days.'

But the 69-year-old's lack of experience at the international level could be a major concern for fans of the football-loving African nation.

The former West Ham boss is fresh from managing two games for Jordan, in a deal that was widely seen as a favor for the country's FA president Prince Ali bin al-Hussein.

It should be remembered that the former Queens Park Rangers boss was also given a chance to work as an adviser for Derby County, but insisted to work on a part-time basis, probably setting his eyes on what is considered the biggest job in African football.

Alex Iwobi warns Nigeria U-23 dream team against Complacency

Arsenal striker, Alex Iwobi has warned Nigeria U-23 against complacency when they begin their 2016 Olympics campaign in Brazil.

The Dream Team VI are pooled in Group B alongside Japan, Sweden and Colombia and the Arsenal forward believes Samson Siasia’s men will triumph with hard work and commitment.

“First, I would like to join the nation in commending coach Siasia for securing a ticket to the Rio Olympics Football Tournament,” Iwobi told Goal.

“It took a lot of hard work, dedication and sacrifice on his part and we should not let his effort and the efforts of the officials and players to be in vain.

“If I am invited to be part of the Olympic; I assure fellow Nigerians that I will give my best. I am a Nigerian by birth and have made it clear that I will always offer my services to the nation if and when called upon to do so.

“I remain grateful to England for the opportunities given me to play at youth level. However my decision has been made to give my services to Nigeria and there is no going back.”

“I have noticed with interest the group draws. The favourites for the Olympic gold medal are of course Brazil or Argentina. However Nigeria has shown in the past that they are a nation to be reckoned with in Olympic football,” he said

Ahmed Musa ready to break transfer record

CSKA Moscow star Ahmed Musa is prepared to break the transfer record for a Nigerian player if he completes his transfer to the English Premier League this summer.

It has been reported that Leicester City are willing to splash €30 million to sign the pacy striker from the Muscovites, while Tottenham Hotspur have made a bid in the region of €25 million.

As thing stand, if Musa should sign for one of the English teams, he will break the record currently held by his skipper in the national team John Obi Mikel.

Now 29, Mikel joined Chelsea in 2006 from Lyn Oslo, with the London club paying total transfer fees of 20 million euros.

CSKA Moscow purchased Ahmed Musa from VVV Venlo in January 2012 for five million euros which now seems like a bargain, given that their profit on investment could be as high as 400 percent.

Obafemi Martins receives Eagles call-up

Just one day after helping the Seattle Sounders secure advancement into the Western Conference semifinals in the MLS Cup Playoffs, Obafemi Martins received some more good news.

Martins has reportedly received a call-up to the Nigerian national team, which is currently coached by Sunday Oliseh. Nigeria is set to compete in two World Cup qualifying matches against Swaziland in November.

“It was a bit of a shock, but a nice shock,” Martins told BBC Sport. “I’m very happy, because I have always worked hard, supported and respected all the players picked by the coaches.

“I thank coach Oliseh for this great opportunity. I’m just looking forward to going out there and playing for Nigeria again.”

The two international matches will take place on Nov. 13 and Nov. 17, while Martins and the Sounders will compete with either the Vancouver Whitecaps or FC Dallas Sunday before the second leg on Nov. 8. Should they advance, the first leg of each conference’s championship will take place on Nov. 22.

Since moving to MLS, Martins has not been a regular member of the Super Eagles, with his last call-up coming in March 2013 against Kenya during a 2014 World Cup qualifier.

After scoring 15 goals for the Sounders during the 2015 MLS regular season, Oliseh has decided to add him onto a roster that also includes forwards Ahmed Musa (CSKA Moscow, Russia), Moses Simon (KAA Gent, Belgium), Odion Ighalo (Watford FC, England), Ezekiel Bassey (Enyimba FC) and Alex Iwobi (Arsenal FC, England).

What do you think about Martins’ call-up? Think his inclusion into the Nigerian team is long overdue?

Share your thoughts below.

Nigeria annihilated Cameroun 3-0 to redeem image

The Super Eagles of Nigeria on Sunday night exterminated the Indomitable Lions of Cameroun to redeem their image in an international friendly in Brussels.

The Indomitable Lions of Cameroon dominated possession in the early half of the game before Celtic defender Efe Ambrose headed in a superb free-kick played by Chelsea midfielder John Mikel Obi at the 39th minute of the game.

The game ended 1-0 at halftime, though their were several threats/attempts by the Cameroonians to level up  but all efforts are futile before the break of the first half.

At the early stages of the second half Cameroon  struggled when skipper Stephane Mbia was sent off in the 47th minute after his second booking of the night. 

Nigeria substitute Odion Ighalo took the game beyond the Indomitable Lions with a third goal two minutes from time when he headed home off a delightful cross by Elderson Echiejile from the left flank.

Nigeria Starting XI: Carl Ikeme – Elderson Echiejile, Shehu Abdullahi, Efe Ambrose, Leon Balogun – Ogenyi Onazi, Mikel Obi (Wilfred Ndidi 63), Sylvester Igbonu (Rabiu Ibrahim 71) – Moses Simon, Emmanuel Emenike (Odion Ighalo 74), Ahmed Musa (Skipper)(Alex Iwobi 79)

Cameroon Starting line-up: Ondoa (Ndy), Bassong (Fai Collins), Chedjou, Nkoulou, Kombi, Siani, Mbia (Skipper), Moukandjo, Aboubakar, Njie Clinton, Kweuke

Subs: Ndy Assembe (1); André Onana (23) ; Zoua Jacques (9) ; Loe Raoul (4) ; Ndi Dany (20) ; Fai Collins (12) ; Salli Edgar (11) ; Eboa Eboa (15).

Don't concentrate on Eagles for now - Oliseh tells Iheanacho

Super Eagles head coach Sunday Oliseh has told Iheanacho not to concentrate on Eagles for now.

According to his statement, the reason being that the player is not ripe enough for the eagles. saying "he will get his time to play for the Super Eagles."

The Manchester City starlet has scored just once in three appearances this season, though he is yet to make the starting line up for Manuel Pellegrini side

Despite starting from bench, Manuel Pellegrini believes the player is very important to the future of the team.

"Kelechi is a very young player, he just turned 18, but I believe in him - it's not easy for him to play because he has Kun (Sergio Aguero) and Bony in front of him and they are very good players, but I think the way he continues improving working with the squad the whole week he will continue demonstrating why he's an important player for this team," said the City boss.

Though, Oliseh admits his talent but insisted that he would not be rushed into the Eagles despite inviting Arsenal's Alex Iwobi for next month's international friendlies against DR Congo and Cameroon.

Moses and Mikel out as Oliseh names first squad

Sunday Oliseh's first squad as Nigeria coach has seen him omit Chelsea players John Obi Mikel and Victor Moses, as they prepare for an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Tanzania.

Oliseh, appointed in July, has omitted midfielder Mikel and winger Moses from his 18-man squad for the clash in Dar es Salaam on September 4.

The Nigerian Football Federation alluded to the omission of the pair in the statement revealing their squad.

"There are a number of surprises, in line with Oliseh's earlier pledge to make current form and first -level football key indices for selection to the Super Eagles," the NFF statement read.

"There are goalkeeper Carl Ikeme, midfielder Izunna Ernest Uzochukwu and forwards Emem Eduok, Sylvester Igboun and Moses Simon."

Neither Moses (24 caps) nor Mikel (64) appeared in the English champions' first two Premier League matches this term.

Congo fans hold Le Roy hostage

Nigeria’s U- 23 national team popularly known as Dream Team VI qualified for the Africa U-23 Championship that would produce Africa’s three automatic representatives in the 2016 Olympics in Brazil after playing a goalless draw with the host team Congo yesterday.

But as the Congo fans celebrated the Nigerian team and hailed them for their wonderful display in Pointe Noire, their coach Claude Le Roy was almost manhandled but was rescued by the security personnel at the Stadium.

The host fans, SportingLife gathered, were angered that despite giving their team over 100 percent support the team still failed to secure a 1-0 victory that could have fetched them victory and qualification ticket of the African U- 23 Championship.

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Congo fans shortly after the end of the game held Le Roy hostage and it took the intervention of the security agents to save him back to the dressing room. The fans then hailed the Nigerian team until they left the pitch.

Veteran sports journalist and member of the NFF Technical Committee  Mr. Paul Bassey led the NFF and theteam officials in praise and worship in the team’s bus until they got to their hostel. Deputy General Secretary Dr. Emmanuel Ikpeme, the Chairman NFF Technical Committee Chief Felix Anyansi Agu and team’s Chief Coach Samson Siasia and the rest of the technical crew also joined in singing praises to Almighty God that made victory possible for the team.

Siasia told SportingLife shortly aftet the match that his boys played to instruction and was proud of them.

“I am very proud of these boys because they took the fight to the Congolese and played to instruction. They were determined which showed in their game and could have scored. But we must savour this victory for now and we thank God for this victory,” he said.

Stephen Keshi sacked as Super Eagles coach

Super Eagles coach Stephen Keshi have been relieved of his duty after been sacked by the Nigerian Football Federation(NFF).

The NFF made the announcement on Saturday amid reports Keshi applied for the vacant Ivory Coast coaching job.

A statement on the NFF's official website read: "Having thoroughly reviewed the reports/findings of the NFF Disciplinary Committee and NFF Technical and Development Committee, as well as having reviewed the actions and inactions of Mr. Stephen Keshi, in the performance of his duties as Super Eagles' head coach, which we found to lack the required commitment to achieve the Federation's objectives as set out in the coach's employment contract.

"To this end and pursuant to the provisions of Clause 4.3 of the Employment Contract between Mr. Stephen Keshi and the NFF [the contract] and the various clauses therein, the Nigeria Football Federation has decided to exercise its option to summarily terminate the employment contract of Mr. Stephen Keshi with the Federation with immediate effect."

It is not the first time the NFF and Keshi, who signed a two-year deal in April, have parted ways.

After being appointed in 2011, Keshi resigned two years later but quickly reversed that decision, before his contract expired after the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

Keshi continued in his role on a match-by-match basis for the 2015 AFCON qualifying campaign, though he was replaced by Shaibu Amodu in October - only to be reinstated two weeks later.

The 53-year-old was unable to lead Nigeria to the finals in Equatorial Guinea, however, with Daniel Amokachi taking over on an interim basis after that failure, before Keshi returned to the hot seat in April.

"In the interim, the Super Eagles' team affairs will be jointly managed by assistant coach, Salisu Yusuf and the Technical Directorate of the NFF headed by coach Shaibu Amodu, until the Federation names in due course a new head coach, who, along with the NFF will chart a new direction for the Super Eagles to ensure credible participation in international competitions and assist in building a sustainable football culture for the country," said vice-president Barrister Seyi Akinwunmi.

Keshi begs Nigerians over protracted contract talks

Out of contract Super Eagles coach, Stephen Keshi, has apologised to Nigerians over his protracted contract talks with the Nigeria Football Federation.

A very sober Keshi in a chat with africanFootball.com also begged the NFF president Amaju Pinnick and entire executive committee of the soccer body.

“I have used the last few weeks for a deep sober reflections and I have realised that I have made mistakes,” he told africanFootball.com.

“I want to sincerely apologise first to Nigerians. Although I did that when we failed to qualify for the African Nations Cup in Equatorial Guinea. But no amount apology is too much for Nigerians, and from the depth of my heart I am really sorry for the pains I may have directly or indirectly caused Nigerians.

“I ask for their forgiveness because I know that once Nigerians are behind you and support the team we will all succeed.”

He added: “I want to personally apologise to the NFF president Amaju Pinnick and the executive committee members. I personally like the manner in which they have handled things. I want to ask their forgiveness in any way I have erred. Like it is said, it is human to err and divine to forgive.

“Now that we have entered a new page, I want to say that my first stint as Eagles coach was a learning curve for me. I have made mistakes and those mistakes have made me better and I learnt a lot from them.

“I want to also apologise and appeal to the media. They are my friends in the media and I need them to succeed. I ask the media to forgive me and put the past behind because I need them for the Eagles to succeed.”

Nigerians will be upset if i score against Arsenal in FA cup semi-final - Yakubu

Yakubu will make himself public enemy No.1 in his beloved Nigeria if he helps Reading shock Arsenal in Saturday’s FA Cup semi-final.

Royals’ striker, who scored the winner in the fifth round tie at Derby, has been inundated with requests for tickets ever since Steve Clarke’s set up their meeting with the Gunners.

His friends back home have all been on the phone, asking him to get them into Wembley.

But it’s not so they can see the 32-year-old make his first ever appearance at the famous stadium, it’s so they can cheer on Arsene Wenger’s side.

“All my friends back home support Arsenal,” said Yakubu.

“Whenever I play them I always give them tickets to come and watch and they say to me they want me to lose. They say I can score one, but that’s it.

“They never want me to win. But that’s normal.

“Back home in Nigeria, 60 per cent of the country supports Arsenal. They love them.

                          Yakubu celebrates scoring for Blackburn against Arsenal.

“Arsenal fans are all over the place. Even when the Nigerian players are playing against Arsenal, they want Arsenal to win. It’s strange but you have to accept it.”

Yakubu has enjoyed a good record against Arsenal over his long career, scoring five times.

He did, however, miss a golden chance to score a goal which would have toppled the famous Invincibles side of 2004.

And he admits if he had stuck that chance away while playing for Portsmouth at Fratton Park, he would probably never been able to return to Nigeria.

“It’s always been the same,” he said.

“When I was at Middlesbrough or Portsmouth, they always want me to lose.

“My friends always do that to me. So I always tease them whenever Arsenal lose. I do it a lot.

“Whenever I beat Arsenal I say to them, did you guys win today? And they go crazy with me.”

KESHI RETURNS WITHOUT AMOKACHI

The Nigeria Football Federation is  set to announce Stephen Keshi as the ‘new’ Super Eagles coach – but without Daniel Amokachi serving as assistant.

The two parties have been in talks over a new contract, with the NFF offering him a two-year contract extension in March.

National Team Goalkeeper Trainer, Ike Shorunmu; Assistant Coach, Daniel Amokachi, and Super Eagles Chief Coach, Stephen Keshi during a media parley in Abuja

And sources at the NFF have informed that Keshi will sign the contract in the next ‘few days’, with reports having it that it might be as soon as today, Friday, April 17.

The contract will see Keshi remain on the N5m monthly salary he earned in his previous contract, but he will now report directly to the NFF technical director and the NFF technical study group.

The announcement will see the Glass House name a substantive coach for the Super Eagles for the first time in nine months – since last July when Keshi’s initial contract expired.

The announcement also comes ahead of the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers which starts in June, with Nigeria in the same group as Egypt, Tanzania and Chad.

Meanwhile, it is also understood that Keshi’s return will mean the end for former Super Eagles striker, Daniel Amokachi, who has been Keshi’s first assistant since November 2011 when he replaced another former Nigeria international, Samson Siasia as the Super Eagles head coach.

Neither the NFF, nor Keshi, have directly confirmed or denied this development, but it is strongly believed that Amokachi may have done his last bit with the team when he took them to Nelspruit, South Africa for that 1-1 draw in friendly in March.

Odemwingie set to return, Moses out

It is indeed different strokes for the Nigerians in Stoke City. While Osaze Odemwingie is set for a return to the pitch the season appears over for Victor Moses. Super Eagles attacker, Odemwingie, is on track to play for Stoke again this season after recovering from a serious knee injury.

The Nigerian striker made a significant impact during the second half of last season after joining the club in a swap deal with Cardiff forward Kenwyne Jones in January 2014.

But the 33-year-old has been sidelined with cruciate knee ligament damage since the end of August.

“I’m joining the team (in training) again and it’s a big step in my rehab,” Odemwingie told Sky Sports.

“It’s just a bit over six months and I’m really pleased because it’s a bit earlier than some players. I hope to be mentally right but it looks okay.

“I’m not scared and hopefully I can get one or two games before the end of the season.”

Stoke will be hoping Odemwingie can recapture the pre-injury form that saw him score five goals in 15 Premier League games. The player who last featured for Nigeria at the Brazil 2014 World Cup could also be ready to join the Super Eagles as they begin their campaign for the 2015 Africa Nations Cup qualifiers.

Winger Moses looks set to miss the remainder of the season with a hamstring injury.

Moses suffered a recurrence of the problem in the 1-1 draw at West Ham and is unlikely to appear again this term, according to manager Mark Hughes.

Despite the injury, Hughes is reportedly keen to make Moses’ stay at the Britannia Stadium permanent. The 24-year-old is currently on loan at Stoke from Chelsea.

“It may well be that Victor’s season is over unfortunately because of the type of injury he has got,” Hughes told the club’s official website.

“He might get back but at the moment we’re probably thinking that he won’t make it. It’s a shame because Victor has done really well since he’s been with us.

“He was our shining light in the early part of the season and then unfortunately he got a couple of quite serious injuries that held him back, and in the end he hasn’t been able to finish the season with us.

“He’ll look back on his time with us and think he’s made an impression and done well and we’d agree with that because he’s been a really important figure for us this season.”

Kelechi Iheanacho starts individual training

Manchester City wonder-kid Kelechi Iheanacho , 18, is set to be given the green-light by the medical team of The Citizens to resume full training with their youth team after being on the treatment table for close to two months.

Against Schalke 04 in the UEFA Youth League on February 24, the Nigeria youth international was forced to leave the pitch 11 minutes after his introduction due to an ankle injury.

The striker is well on his road to recovery, having started individual training under the supervision of Manchester City's medical team.

''Kelechi Iheanacho has started individual training under the watchful eyes of Manchester City's medical team and fitness expert,'' a source close to the Flying Eagles star told SL10.ng.

''As the training progresses, they'll be working on his fitness.

''Regarding him joining the Flying Eagles, there's no date yet until they ascertain his fitness level.

''After the individual training, he will train with the reserves or youth team.''

With Kelechi Iheanacho missing from the line-up, Manchester City's Under 19 squad failed to qualify for the semi-final of the UEFA Youth League, losing 2-1 to Roma in the last eight of the competition.

The Taye Academy product missed the African Youth Championship on account of injury.

Okocha wants end to Super Eagles’s coaching saga

Former Nigeria captain Jay-Jay Okocha urged the country’s football authority to swiftly resolve the national team’s managerial vacancy in order to prevent further setbacks.okocha-a

Daniel Amokachi has been in charge of Nigeria on a temporary basis since December following lengthy contractual talks between Stephen Keshi and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).

NFF president Amaju Pinnick announced two weeks ago that a two-year deal has been approved for Keshi to continue but a contract is yet to be signed.

Okocha, who won the Nations Cup in 1994 and was part of the gold-medal winning team at the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta, believes delays in the contractual process are hampering plans for the qualification campaign for the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations in Gabon.

“We need to resolve this coaching situation quickly to prevent another troubled qualifying race for the Nations Cup,” Okocha said.

“Nigerians want to hear about the team, the plans ahead and not who should or shouldn’t be in charge of the team.

“Right now our focus should have shifted towards whoever takes charge of the team to enable us correct the ills of our previous qualifying series.

“We cannot afford to miss out on the next tournament, so we need to get the coach in to start work immediately.”

Keshi initially took charge of the team in November 2011 but his contract ran out after last year’s World Cup in Brazil, where Nigeria reached the second round stage.

Victor Moses hit with hamstring injury

Stoke City's Victor Moses may be out for several weeks with a hamstring injury, according to manager Mark Hughes.

The Chelsea loanee, who has netted four times in all competitions, limped off during Stoke's 1-1 Premier League draw at West Ham on Saturday after pulling up when attempting a shot.

"It looks like Victor has pulled his hamstring," said Welshman Hughes.

"It looks like it is in a strange position as it seems to be right behind his knee, which isn't the normal position you usually get hamstring injuries.

"We will get it checked, it may be something that isn't to do with the hamstring so it could be that we get good news but we can't be sure yet.

"If it is a hamstring, then it could be that we lose him for a few weeks."

Stoke also lost defender Marc Wilson at half-time, with the Irishman failing to overcome a knock to the hip.

"Marc got a bang right on his hip, fair play to him he tried to go out for the second half and see if he could make it work," added Hughes.

"Sadly he couldn't loosen it off and had to be forced off unfortunately."

Stephen Keshi wants Amokachi sacked

A staggering revelation has been made on the latest request from the about to be re-appointed national team boss, Stephen Keshi as whispers from the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Glass House suggests that he wants Daniel Amo­kachi sacked as assistant manager of the Super Eagles, FCNaija.com can exclusively report.

The former Everton forward was in charge of the Eagles in Keshi’s absence when the team prosecuted two friendly games – first, a disgracefully defeat against Uganda in front of home fans at the Akwa Ibom Interna­tional stadium which was fol­lowed by a lackluster 1-1 draw in South Africa against the Bafana Bafana.

Amokachi told an unnamed NFF official after the Cranes friendly that it was the big boss that selected the team and he was just a figurehead – that news got to the ears of Stephen Keshi and got him furious.

Now, he wants Amokachi out and the former Mali coach is pushing the NFF chiefs to re-engage the services of his for­mer assistant, Togolese Valerie Hounandinuou who was fired by the NFF in April 2013.

Keshi who recently agreed a new deal with the Nigerian football body to continue as manager will sign the contract papers next week, it was reli­ably gathered.

Super Falcons of Nigeria annihilates Mali 8 - 0

Nigeria Super Falcons demolished Mali 8-0 to qualify through 9-1 on aggregate which entails they will be at the women's event at the 2015 All Africa Games in Congo.

Liverpool ladies star Assisat Oshoala played a crucial role in the goals scored by Nigeria and she also scored a brace to herself.

French based Desire Oparonozie gave Nigeria the lead after three minutes before Francisca Ordega made it 2-0 after 18 minutes. 

Oshoala increased their worries when she scored the third goal for Nigeria at the 36th minutes. Oparanozie made it 4-0 just a minute to half time.

A minute after the interval, Oshoala netted her brace as Mali tried to play damage control.

Ordega became the third Nigeria star to grab a brace when she hit target in the 62nd minute.

Skipper Evelyn Nwabuoku fired home the seventh goal from 23 yards after 69 minutes, before substitute Esther Sunday completed the rout in the 71st minute off a rebound.

Super Eagles drop in FIFA ranking

Three-time African champions Nigeria have dropped four places in the monthly rankings released by the world football governing body, Fifa.

The Super Eagles dropped four places in the latest rankings after losing 49 points (701 for February to 652 for March) from last month.

Nigeria are now ranked 45th in the world and eight in Africa.

Algeria, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Tunisia, Senegal, Cape Verde and Guinea are the seven African countries whose national teams are ranked higher than the Super Eagles.

Germany, Argentina, Belgium, Colombia and Brazil are the top five national teams in the rankings in descending order.

Nigeria’s best position in the monthly Fifa ranking is fifth, a position the Super Eagles attained in 1994 largely on the back of a brilliant showing at the 1994 Fifa World Cup in the United States