McAteer backs England to beat Nigerians

Jason McAteer is backing England to ruffle the feathers of Nigeria’s Super Eagles at the World Cup, despite the Republic of Ireland being brought back down to earth last night.

Nigeria stunned Mick McCarthy and the green army of supporters by conjuring up a 2-1 win at Lansdowne Road to bring the curtain down on the Republic’s 11-match unbeaten home record stretching back two years.

It was supposed to be a farewell party ahead of McCarthy and his 23-man squad today jetting off on a marathon three-flight trip to the holiday island of Saipan to begin their preparations for the opening Group E game against Cameroon on June 1.

But goals from 19-year-old Shakhtar Donetsk striker Julius Aghahowa, dubbed ‘the Michael Owen of Nigerian football’, and Crewe defender Efe Sodje ensured celebrations did not go according to plan.

Nigeria proved themselves to be physically adept, while their passing and movement off the ball often caused the Republic problems, but McAteer believes England will win what could prove to be a vital encounter in Japan.

Sven-Goran Eriksson’s side face Nigeria in the closing Group F game in Osaka on June 12, the result of which is likely to decide England’s fate.

Sunderland midfielder McAteer concedes Nigeria are a dangerous side, but his money is on England.

‘‘Nigeria didn’t surprise me,’’ said McAteer, who will be fit for the World Cup despite swelling to an ankle injury which forced him off at half time.

‘‘They are not a bad team, and don’t forget their squad has yet to be picked so they were all trying to impress, which meant it was always going to be a tough game.

‘‘They are very different in the way they play. They are not like a European team, in that they are very technical, while they are also quick and strong.

‘‘They had some great players out there in the likes of Jay Jay Okocha and Aghahowa.

‘‘They’ve enough about them to cause England problems, but I’m still backing England to put one over on them.’’

The game at least proved ideal preparation for McCarthy ahead of facing African Cup of Nations Champions Cameroon in a fortnight’s time, even if the desired result was not achieved.

McAteer, though, is warning Cameroon coach Winfried Schafer to expect a very different Ireland side to the one he witnessed last night.

‘‘We will take plenty of positives out of the game because we created more than enough chances to have won, and on another night it would have been a different story,’’ added McAteer.

‘‘I’m sure Cameroon are going to be a better side and even more physical, but we’ve a lot more in the tank because we went out there and we weren’t throwing ourselves too much into it, but come the first of June we will be raring to go.’’