FORMER chairman of the then Nigerian Football Association, (NFA), Alhaji Ibrahim Galadima has rubbished predictions in some quarters that an African country will win the South Africa 2010 World Cup.

Galadima spoke in a chat with brilafm.net yesterday, just as the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) confirmed that it received invitations from Serbia, Portugal and New Zealand for possible friendlies before the 2010 World Cup.

According to Galadima, it would be unrealistic to think an African country will win the Mundial because it will be hosted on African soil, noting that the continent's teams have not prepared well enough to win the global tourney.

He said: "Of course, like every other African, I would like to see an African team do well in South Africa. The reality of the situation is that a lot of people have been expressing their concerns and fears about the caliber of players that will be taken to South Africa."

The Kano-born football administrator went on to cite examples of top African teams which he says still fall short when it matters most, saying: "Take a look at Cote d'Ivoire and Ghana, but people are still saying we don't have the material. I believe it's not impossible for us to go there and do well, that is, Africa as a continent.

"I am looking more towards 2014, which will help us have long term planning. I think that will help us in this country. World Cup is not a small boy's business. I believe we should get it right when we plan over time," he said.

Meanwhile, the Super Eagles qualification for the 2010 World Cup has turned the team into a beautiful bride, as the NFF has confirmed that some countries are seeking friendlies with the team before the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

Spokesperson of the NFF, Ademola Olajire said yesterday that the Glasshouse had received invitations from Serbia, Portugal and New Zealand for possible friendlies, adding that the team's officials will take a decision on the matches they want.

"We've talked with a number of people, a number of delegations. There are prospects. We have countries like Serbia and Portugal expressing interest. We will sit down and look at a whole lot of things. New Zealand expressed interest as well. So, we are looking at a wide range of possibilities. It's just about sitting down and asking the coach what he wants to do," Olajire stated.

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