Dream Team IV Hit SA 3-0: Qualifies For Beijing 2008

Taye Taiwo and Victor Anichebe yesterday both fired Nigeria to victory against the South African Olympic team to claim the only ticket of the group.

The second came following immense pressure from the Team forcing an own goal when a south African defender tried to clear the ball.

Anichebe was making his debute for Nigeria and started well with a good goal that saw Nigeria leading 3-0.

But players' goal ensured Nigeria qualified for the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, China.

 

The team had been promised $4000 by the sports ministry and $1000 by NFA making $5000 for a victory. They didn't particularly play well as the south Africans ran rings round them until the first goal was scored. The goal came at the 30th minute through a beautiful corner from the right by Kennedy Chinwo which was headed home by Taiye Taiwo. Before Anichebe added a third. The game eventually ended 3-0 in the Dream Team IV's favour.

We believe that as usual Siasia's purposefulness will bring out the best in these boys before the Olympic proper. The NFA should at least do their work this time and support this team now and not wait till it is time to go to Beijing to start promising unrealistic amount of money as match bonuses.

Ghana Vs Nigeria: Preview (Ghana 2008)

Really I am surprised the Ghanaians are rating Nigeria so high. As a Nigerian I want the super Eagles to get past Ghana but within me I don’t think we can achieve it. We have not been inspiring enough. There are so many reasons why I don’t think we can get past the Black stars.

So I was confused to hear that Abedi Pele is having sleepless nights about Ghana Playing Nigeria as he was afraid Ghana could be knocked out of the championship by Nigeria. That would be a big blow for the Ghanaians especially as host country. The entire country is looking at their team winning this cup and if the worse comes to worst, get to the final at least but losing in the quarter Finals will sure be unbearable to the Ghanaian populace.

I don’t mean to say Nigeria has nothing to offer. But we have all watched the Super Eagles play against Ivory Coast and Mali.

We have watched them struggle to beat the weeping boys of Group B (Benin), do you think that team you saw has what it takes to beat a highly motivated side like Ghana playing at home?

This is what I think. Definitely a game between these two is like a game between Nigeria and Cameroon. The Ghanaians are not going to rely on the fact that oh! We beat them 5-1 in a friendly game therefore we can do same. The Ghanaians have their eyes on the trophy and they also know that to do that, Nigeria is one obstacle they must overcome. The super Eagles have a way of springing surprises and with their performance so far, there is a chance they may be slightly underrated by the Ghanaians. This will be disastrous if it happens.

Injuries will particularly favour no one over the other. Osaze who has been most inspiring for the Super Eagles will be out due to suspension and on the Ghanaians side, I think I also heard Appiah will be out.

What the Eagles have in attack, the Ghanaians have in midfield. The Eagles’ defense is one of the best in this competition haven conceded just once in three games. The Ghanaians also have a good record in this department. However, there is a likely return of Kanu Nwankwo for Nigeria; one player I know the Ghanaians dread so much (if fit to play). The victory against Benin surely increased confidence in the Super Eagles camp and could fire them up in the game.

Despite all these the Ghanaians still look more likely to carry the day. Most bookmakers give it to Ghana. However, if the Black stars under rate these Eagles, they will surely pay for it.

So who do you think will win? Vote Now!