Nigeria VS Benin: Eagles Qualifies
In 1999 when Nigeria hosted the U-20 world cup, Coach Fanny Amun the then coach of the Flying Eagles presented a team that in every measure did not meet up with many people’s expectations. Yet was churning out wins one way or the other to progress from match to match despite playing against palpably better teams. When asked if the team was going to continue like this, the coach Amun had said his team will continue to ”WOBBLE AND FUMBLE TILL THEY GET TO THE FINAL”.
Today the super Eagles have wobbled and fumble to qualify at the expense of a much better Malian team to the quarter Finals of this Nations’ cup.
The Eagles had their worst performance of the championship today but ironically succeeded in scoring two vital goals. It was another surprise to see the Squirrels of Benin come out at Nigeria for the entire game duration. Though I had tipped the Super Eagles to win this game, I never expected to see these squirrels create as many scoring chances as they did.
It gives me cause to worry. If Eagles were put under so much pressure by Benin, I can’t help wondering what kind of battering we might receive from the Black stars that along with the Elephants of Ivory Coast have so much character.
There has to be a drastic change in the level of play for us to stand a chance against Ghana’s superior fire power.
Good thing about today’s match is that two things that have been missing all the while seem to have found their way back into the team. One, Mikel Obi finally started giving those tailor made passes that are capable of dismantling defenses. Again our strikers finally work up to their duty. It has been a big embarrassment that eight strikers have been unable to produce a single goal in 225 minutes of play. We may stand a chance in the next game based on this as confidence has also returned. Apart from the most outstanding player (Osaze) missing next game, things look good especially if Kanu Nwankwo returns. Besides we are starting to return to our wing play.
This was our worst performance so far. However we needed to win no matter the team. A win is a win and can do a whole lot of good to confidence and self belief. Well we thank God we are still in the championship. I feel sorry for Mali.
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