Sports
2014 W/Cup: S’Eagles Stun Nigerians With Victory
As if waiting to be written off
and derided before showing their true colours, the Super Eagles as Nigeria on Saturday night forced many Nigerian football fans to eat their words and have a change of opinion over the chances at the ongoing FIFA World Cup Brazil 2014.
After a pathetic opening day performance against upstarts, Iran in which the Nigerian team eked out a scoreless draw, most fans were quick to give up on the team. Despite initially tipping the African champions to join Argentina as qualifiers from Group F, the insipid display against Iran eroded the confidence of many Nigerians.
But, just like in South Africa, during the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations, the Eagles, after being scorned, raised their game in the second outing and piped the Edim Dzeko led Bosnia and Herzegovina 1-0, even if it was with a huge slice of fortune to be in pole position for the second Group F ticket for the knock out stage.
The rejected stone, as it were, Osaze Odemwingie, it was he who scored the crucial winner to give Nigeria a chance and hope for a second round outing, the first since France 1998 world cup.
Now, the cumulative sins of coach Stephen Keshi and the Eagles, since the World Cup friendlies have taken a slight in the minds of the fans and the team super again, even if the signs of the team’s past frailties still remain visible.
Not a few Nigerians are now, as against the opening match feelings, expecting the Super Eagles to berth in the second round, even anticipating a victory or draw against Argentina and one Lionel Messi on Wednesday.
According to one football fan Josiah Asiedu, who said he reluctantly stayed up late to watch the match the Nigeria/Bosnia and Herzegovina game, “the Super Eagles surprised him with their improved performance”. He said that the players showed renewed purpose and spirit that apparently took the opponents by surprise and urged them to maintain the tempo in subsequent matches.
For Augustus Ajere, a businessman and ardent football fan, “The inclusion of Osaze Odemwingie from the onset and the new found pace of the Eagles lifted Nigeria over their opponents. The aggression and determination noticed in the players also contributed to the success”.
Though most of the fans spoken to by the Tidesports singled out Odenwingie, Emmanuel Emenike and particularly keeper Vincent Enyeama as the cornerstones of the team, they believed that the victory was as a result of a better team work.
Keshi was also advised to seek ways of improving the team’s tactical play, especially, build up play, target shooting and marking. The fans believe that with the new attitude in the team, Nigeria can withstand Argentina and even surprise themselves in the competition.
Nigeria will tackle Argentina While Iran locks horns with Bosina-Herzegovina on Wednesday in the last Group F matches. The Super Eagles need to avoid defeat or Iran fails to beat Bosnia-Herzegovina to be guaranteed passage to the round of 16.
Victory for the Super Eagles in Casablanca followed the disappointment of losing shoot-outs that cost them chances to compete at the 2026 World Cup and in the 2025 AFCON final.
Nigeria lost on penalties to the Democratic Republic of Congo last November in a play-off for a place in the World Cup intercontinental play-offs.
Then, three days ago, they lost another shoot-out to fail against hosts Morocco in an AFCON semi-final.
Success maintained a perfect Nigerian record in third place AFCON matches after seven previous play-offs victories.
Before Lookman scored, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru missed the Eagles’ first kick, then Akor Adams, captain Moses Simon and Alex Iwobi scored.
Premier League pair Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush both had kicks saved by Stanley Nwabali before Ramy Rabia and Mahmoud Saber scored.
Egypt made six changes and Nigeria five to the teams that started semi-final losses to Senegal and hosts Morocco respectively three days ago.
Captain Salah started for the Pharaohs while traditional first choices in goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy and forward Marmoush were among the substitutes.
Attackers Victor Osimhen and Lookman, both former winners of the annual African player of the year award, sat on the bench for Nigeria.
Most Moroccans in a crowd that nearly filled the 45,000-capacity Stade Mohammed V backed Nigeria. They whistled whenever Egypt gained possession and when coach Hossam Hassan was shown on the big screen.
This support for the Super Eagles was attributed to the great rivalry between Morocco and Egypt, both at national team and club levels.
– Goals disallowed –
Nigeria initially, then Egypt had spells of dominance in a goalless opening half on a cold, cloudy evening in the Moroccan commercial capital.
Paul Onuachu thought he had broken the deadlock on 36 minutes as he deflected the ball with his head past goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir.
However, a VAR review by the Moroccan referee revealed Onuachu had accidently struck Hamdy Fathy with an elbow. The goal was disallowed and the Nigerian yellow-carded.
Lookman was introduced by coach Eric Chelle for the second half, replacing Onuachu, and he had the ball in the net in the opening minute of the second period. However, the goal was ruled out for offside.
Nigeria started after the break with a series of attacks. Following a largely uneventful first half, Shobeir — the son of former Egypt goalkeeper Ahmed Shobeir — was forced to make several saves.
Salah seldom threatened and when he did cut in with the ball, the potential danger was quickly averted. Marmoush came on as the play-off passed the hour mark to try and boost a blunt strike force.
But as the match entered the final 10 minutes there was no sign of Osimhen being brought on, suggesting he might not have been fully fit.
In quick succession, Adams, then Marmoush threatened to score, but neither could deliver the finishing touch under pressure from opponents.
Salah then disappointed when offered a scoring opportunity from a free-kick outside the box. He hit the ball straight into the wall and it was swiftly cleared.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on Saturday, the President praised the team for their resilience and professionalism, noting that the players rose above the disappointment of their semi-final defeat to hosts Morocco earlier in the week to finish the tournament strongly.
The Super Eagles secured third place after overpowering Egypt, a seven-time AFCON champion, in the bronze medal match.
Nigeria dominated proceedings during regulation time before edging their opponents in a tense penalty shootout.
President Tinubu said the victory was a clear reflection of the determination and can-do spirit that define Nigeria, describing the team’s response to adversity as exemplary.
“Despite their good run during the tournament, the Eagles lost the semi-final match to Morocco during the penalty shootout last Wednesday, and our people’s hopes of winning the championship were dashed.
“However, our players remained undaunted, and exhibiting the resilience of the Nigerian spirit, their efforts have now paid off”, the President said.
The President noted that Nigerians would take pride in seeing the team receive their medals at the official ceremony on Sunday in Rabat, where the tournament is being concluded.
“We will all be proud of them as they receive their hard-earned bronze medal. Thank you, our gallant Super Eagles. Thank you, our national team players. This bronze medal surely feels good like gold”, he added.
The Cottagers have been without their Nigerian trio since they departed for the tournament in Morocco, with all three in excellent form and integral to Silva’s starting lineup prior to their departure.
Despite their absence, Fulham have fared remarkably well, losing just one of their last seven games in all competitions while playing without the Nigerian contingent.
The players are expected to return to West London shortly, as Nigeria conclude their campaign against Egypt in the third-place match on Saturday.
“This is the last game the three players at AFCON will miss,” Silva said, according to Jack Kelly.
“When you have all the squad available, you’re going to be stronger as a team. Like when Kenny, King or Muniz will be back – they will be very important for us.”
The defeat to Leeds leaves Fulham 10th in the Premier League table with 31 points as they head into the final four months of the season.
After the third-place playoff, Bassey, Iwobi and Chukwueze are expected to leave Morocco together immediately and should be available for Fulham’s game against Brighton at Craven Cottage on January 24.
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