This year's World Cup is probably the most interesting in its history for various reasons among which is the fact that football in Africa is more physical than it is tactical.

It is with joy and great honor that Nigeria welcomes the world to Africa and indeed, to South Africa for the world's biggest event. It is historic enough that the 2010 world cup finals will be held on African soil but will definitely be much more historic if an African team can make the golden trophy spend its next four years on the black continent. To this effect, Africa's five finest teams each with 11 tactical, talented and strong souls will lead this campaign. The Super Eagles of Nigeria and the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon will lead the African teams in their quest for glory.

This global event is of course the biggest PR platform for African countries to showcase investment opportunities, hospitality, culture and reveal, above all, their wealth of resources and tourism. Nigeria is Africa's most populous black nation, often called the giant of Africa or the heart of Africa. Recent developments in Nigeria's tourism industry reveal increased hotel bookings and accommodation for tourists who wish to visit some African countries before the games begin and after the games end. Nigeria remains the only African country capable of offering an intensive feel of the spirit of the games before it kicks off in South Africa so tourists wish to visit Nigeria and have a unique feel of the pre-momentum before they get on ground in South Africa.

One thing one must also look out for is the "Naija Swagga" (meaning Nigerian Charisma). This swagger will be felt among the thousands of Nigerian fans who will be all out to cheer all five African teams. This is the spirit of Africa. The spirit of oneness, unity and fair play so long as Africa and football is concerned. Just recently, FIFA reported that Nigerian fans are buying the highest number of tickets. Not only that, the Nigerian Football Federation has set up a Nigerian village in Durban, South Africa. This village might as well be the biggest throughout the games. Unfortunately, Brazil and Cameroon couldn't secure spaces and are currently in talks with NFF for some space allocation.

However, the issue of grave concern has been the total fitness of the African teams. With the likes of Argentina's triplet-assassins; L. Messi, C. Tevez & S. Aguero , Portugal's talisman, C. Ronaldo, Spanish midfield landlords, Xavi H. and A. Iniesta and of course coach Dunga's dangerous samba boys of Brazil, there are enough reasons for the African teams to have sleepless nights. But unfortunately for these big names, THIS IS AFRICA and surprises on the field of play remain a traditional ritual. Football in Africa is more physical than it is tactical. Energy and strength lead the mental and tactical compatibility. This factor alone, guarantees that this particular world cup finals will be the most interesting in its history. Besides, African football mercenaries, D. Drogba, K. Toure, O. Nsofor, O. Odemwingie, J. Mikel Obi, M. Essien, S. E'too, G. Njitap, S. Pienaar, M. Booth (to mention a few) will all be on ground to welcome soccer giants to motherland Africa.

The Super Eagles of Nigeria, Indomitable Lions of Cameroon, Black Stars of Ghana, Elephants of Ivory Coast and the gallant host, Bafana Bafana of South Africa have all promised to deliver and not fail the continent.

Let the prayers commence, let the celebrations begin, let the fireworks be prepared for this historic encounter promises to be the most entertaining and fulfilling in the history of the world cup.

Dumebi Onuora (Dee)
School of Computer Networks,
Stamford College, Petaling Jaya.

To get in touch with Dee, drop him an email at lionvictory@yahoo.com