Eto'o (right) must play better

They had so many chances in the first half and they did not make the best use of them. Strikers of the quality of Samuel Eto'o and Patrick Mboma must deliver.

I am confident that they will still qualify for the next round. I would be surprised if they do not beat Germany when they meet in their last group game.

Keeping it tight

African teams have often been criticised for their lack of concentration in defence, especially when a match is in its last phase.

Being a defensive midfielder, I will admit that there is a lot of merit in that criticism and we do need to improve in this area.

But I would also say that the climatic conditions in Japan and Korea sap the energy of the players, which could be responsible for the loss of concentration in defence.

Talking about defending, South Africa's decision to recall Lucas Radebe was one of the smartest moves made by their manager.

Radebe's inclusion has been vital for South Africa

His experience was crucial in their opening game, where they got a good result.

The Paraguayan side is not a pushover and for them to have overcome a 0-2 deficit to get a draw shows character, which will boost their morale for subsequent games.

Of all the African teams at the competition, I believe that Senegal, Cameroon and yes, Nigeria, can make it into the second round.

We might have lost to Argentina in the first game but all hope is not lost yet.

Fair play

I was really disappointed with Rivaldo's behaviour in Brazil's game against Turkey.

There is no doubt that he is a great player but he should not have committed a deliberate act to have a fellow professional expelled.

Rivaldo's act goes against fair play

There is no argument that Hakan Unsal did the wrong thing by kicking the ball at him but he did not deserve to be sent off by the referee.

What he did was out of frustration and in the heat of the moment.

This tournament might be his only World Cup and he should only be sent off for a very good reason.

Oliseh answers your emails

Sunday, what do you feel are Nigeria's chances at this World Cup and how do you feel about not being in the squad?

Kay Boboye, Ipswich, England

Nigeria still have a good chance of doing well if we can put the first game behind us and play well in our next two games.

Contrary to what many people may think, I am always in support of my country and do not forget that once a leader or captain, you always remain one.

Do you think you still have an international career with Nigeria?

Fon Julius, a Cameroonian in the United States

Well, one cannot play forever.

My playing days for Nigeria are over and I am grateful to have been given the opportunity to serve my country.

I have been excluded from the Nigerian World Cup team because I am standing on my principles as a man and as a leader.

The new team is okay and I wish them well. Remember it is not the team that matters. It is Nigeria that counts.

Don't you consider it hypocritical to harass Celestine Babayaro for his non-involvement in Nigeria's World Cup qualifiers when you failed to turn up for a crucial game against Sudan?

Shai, UK

I was kept out of that match due to an injury called prolapse. If it had not been treated at that time, it could have lead to paralysis in one of my arms.

It might also interest you to know that I played some games for Nigeria with this injury.

Celestine as you noted, refused to play for Nigeria in order to benefit his club, while most of us had problems with our teams because of our frequent travelling to Africa for World Cup qualifiers.

If you feel it is right for him to play now and Ifeanyi Udeze, who played a key role in the qualifiers, should watch from the bench, I guess you're entitled to have that opinion.

If you're doubting my patriotism to Nigeria, it might be good to remember that I left my hospital bed to help my country win the quarter-final match against Senegal at the 2000 African Nations Cup.

By playing for Poland at the World Cup, has Emmanuel Olisadebe betrayed Nigeria?

Tony Jones, Brimingham, UK

I do not think so. If he had been invited to play for Nigeria and turned it down to play for Poland, there would have been grounds for such a claim.

But he was never invited. I do regret that he is not in the Nigerian team because when you realise that he was instrumental to Poland's qualification he would have been a wonderful addition to our team.

If you have any questions to ask me, email them, with your full address, to [email protected].

Short and concise emails would be given priority.