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Nigerians Commend S’Eagles In Defeat …As Ghana Leads Africa To Success
Most Nigerian football fans have commended the performance of the Super Eagles in their first match of the ongoing 2010 World Cup in South Africa.
Despite falling to the superior fireworks of Argentina 0-1 in their first match in Group B, the fans agreed that the Nigerians put up an impressive display remarkably different from their lethargic performances at the 2010 Africa Nations Cup in Angola and the qualifying series for the World Cup.
They were however, unanimous that goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama was the difference between a total humiliation by the Argentines and the respectable loss recorded in the match.
Overall, however, the Super Eagles display was econcuraging enough to inspire hope that they can still get the result that will see them through to the next round.
From Nigerians based in South Africa to football fan at home, the loss to Argentina was bearable.
Honour Sirawoo, chairman of Sport writers Association of Nigerian, SWAN, Rivers State branch said that the Super Eagles showed some promises that can be built on in subsequent matches.
“With a little adjustment and concentration, the Eagles can go far, Sirawoo said.
Ponwang Abari, a civil servant, said that the Nigerian side gave a good account of themselves even though they were unable to convert their scoring chances.
Another Nigerian, Joseph Apollo, a trader, said the out come of the match should galvanise the team’s handlers to devise strategies that would ensure victory in subsequent matches.
Ocheya Obida, a student, said the future of the Nigerian side in the World Cup was bright and called for cooperation from all stakeholders for the country’s success.
Similarly, fans in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State also commended the efforts of the Super Eagles rating them above average in the encounter against Argentina
“I believe the Super Eagles played very well. In fact, they out-played the Argentines in the second half but for the early goal conceded,’’ Alhaji Abdulkadir Kwakwatawa said.
Tidesports source in South Afrcia said that a population of Nigerians who could not obtain match tickets, converged in a popular Nigerian eatery in the locality to watch the match on a big screen.
At the blast of the final whistle, they tropped out on Rockey Street, where the eatery is located, singing and dancing to the admiration of passers by.
Mr Adebayo Ogun, a trader among the cheering crowd said.
“We showed them African soccer; it was just unfortunate we conceded that early goal which made the difference.
“I was happy to see a new Super Eagles and I know there is very high hope that we will still make it to the next round,” Ogun said.
Another fan who simply identified himself as Kabiru, said he felt sad about the loss but said there was still cause to have hope with the team’s performance.
“We will make it against Greece and Korea,” he said, explaining that having watched both teams in their encounter, the Super Eagles had a better chance of qualifying for the next round.
“We can now say Nigeria has a team,” he said, adding that they showed better cohesion and gave hope for better results in their subsequent matches.
“It was unbelievable. I never expected such a performance from the Eagles. They played well beyond the expectations of many Nigerians.
He said the team’s loss was due to ill-luck through wasted scoring chances by Yakubu Ayegbeni and Chinedu Obasi, and lack of midfield firepower.
“The duo of Ayegbeni and Obasi should have scored earlier and later on in the first half. If that had happened, and we had played better in the midfield, the score line would have been different,’’ he added.
Wei Xiangnan, the Abuja-based Chief Correspondent of China Radio International, also told our source that the Eagles’ performance was inspiring and had given more hope to Nigerians.
“I think the Eagles played well, and beyond expectations. They were just unlucky, especially late in the second half.
“But I believe they have given many Nigerians more hope about the World Cup now, and I believe they will do better in their next matches,’’ he said.
Meawhile, the Black Stars of Ghana yesterday in Pretoria recorded Africa’s first victory in the first round of matches of the 2010 World Cup played so far.
The Stars pipped Serbia 1-0 in the first match of Group D to put themselves in good stead for qualification for the second round stage.
Before their victory, three African representatives had taken to the pitch, recording one draw and two losses.
Host Bafana Bafana of South Africa kicked off the world cup seen by many as Africa’s tournament with an impressive 1-1 draw with Mexico on Friday
Nigerian’s Super Eagles and the Fennecs of Algeria failed to match the South African performance narrowly losing 0-1, to Argentina and Slovenia on Saturday and Sunday, respectively.
With Ghana’s victory, it is hoped that the road had been cleared for an African success in subsequent matches.
Asamoah Gyan, scorer of Ghana’s first World Cup goal at Germany 2006, was again on hand to open the account in South Africa through a well taken 85th minute penalty, after Serbia’s Kuzmanovic deliberately handled the ball inside the box.
Despite playing with a one man advantage, Ghana though impressive in their game, failed to break down the resilient Serbian defence, until the defensive howler provided the penalty opportunity.
Gyan could have double the score later on but his effort rebounded off the upright after the goalkeeper was well beaten.
Another African team, the Indomitable Lions of Cameroun will take to the stage this afternoon in a group match with Japan
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has described the ongoing construction of the brand new 13.52-kilometre Ngo-Atlantic-Oyorokoto Road as a bold and visionary effort by his administration to open up the coastal region for economic growth and harness the full potential of the state’s blue economy.
The Governor made this remark during an inspection visit to the project site in Andoni Local Government Area. The road, being constructed by Monier Construction Company (MCC), cuts through challenging coastal terrain and leads to a newly identified beachfront facing the Atlantic Ocean.
Governor Fubara explained that while the original plan was to construct a road leading to Oyorokoto Town and its popular beach, his administration decided to expand the project to create an entirely new route that would open access to another pristine beachfront.
“We are doing another inspection today. This particular one is a virgin road, 13.52 kilometres of a new pathway to the blue economy,” Governor Fubara stated.
“Initially, we were constructing a road to Oyorokoto Beach, one of the finest tourist centres in this area. But as we progressed, we discovered another beach directly facing the Atlantic Ocean. It became clear that we shouldn’t limit development to just one site. We want to harness this new beach front as part of our broader plan to develop the blue economy.”
The Governor emphasised that the project, once completed, will not only improve access to coastal communities but also stimulate tourism and economic activities, boosting revenue for Rivers State.
Describing the area’s difficult terrain as challenging, he commended the contractor for its dedication, and expressed confidence that the road would be completed and commissioned by March next year.
“You can see for yourself, it’s a brand-new road in a very difficult terrain, just like the one we saw yesterday. But I strongly believe we will overcome it. From what we’ve seen today, the contractor, MCC, is doing their best, and by next year, hopefully by March, we’ll have the cause to commission this project and give God all the glory,” the Governor affirmed.
Governor Fubara also visited Opobo/Nkoro Local Government Area to assess the progress of work on the Epellema axis of the ongoing 5.2km Kalaibiama-Epellema road project featuring a 450-meter bridge.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has expressed satisfaction with the level of progress recorded on the ongoing Trans-Kalabari Road project, revealing that about 75 percent of the critical piling work has been completed.
Governor Fubara made this known while addressing journalists after an on-the-spot inspection of the 12.5-kilometre road project, which will connect the state capital to several Kalabari communities across the sea.
The Governor rode on a boat from a jetty at Rumuolumeni in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area through the rivers and creeks on the project route during the inspection.
The project was awarded to Lubrik Construction Company Limited, on May 15, 2024, with an initial 32-month completion timeline.
The Governor said the visit was aimed at verifying reports from the Ministry of Works regarding the project’s advancement. He commended the contractors for their dedication, and described the progress as “a true reflection of hard work and commitment to excellence.”
“The first phase of the project takes us to Bakana, and features four major river-crossing bridges and nearly five deck-on-pile structures. The terrain is difficult, and the engineering work required is complex. But to the glory of God, I can confirm that the reports I’ve been receiving are accurate. Almost 75% of the piling job, which is the most critical part of the project, has been achieved,” Governor Fubara said.
He emphasised that the Trans-Kalabari Road is one of the most technically demanding infrastructure projects in the state due to its challenging marine terrain but reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to deliver it on schedule.
Governor Fubara highlighted the strategic importance of the road in connecting the Kalabari Kingdom to Port Harcourt, and stimulating economic growth across riverine communities.
“This is a key project that will turn around the lives of the Kalabari people immediately it is concluded. By the grace of God, in the next six months, if we return here for inspection, we might be driving across the bridge,” he said.
Governor Fubara assured Rivers people that his administration remains focused on delivering transformative infrastructure projects that will improve lives and bring lasting development to rural communities.
“We have made a promise to our people to embark on projects that will change lives and bring development, and this is a testament to that commitment,” he added.
The Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, says that the impact of flooding and erosion on the inhabitants of Rivers State, especially those living in coastal communities, are of great concerns to the government.
Governor Fubara lamented the consequences of flood on both human and biotic life, which sometimes lead to loss of life, property, and degradation of the environment.
The Governor made the remark in Port Harcourt during the launch of a book titled, ‘Coastal Zone Flooding And Erosion in Developing Communities, Principles, Cases and Strategies,” written by Emeritus Prof. Wiston Bell-Gam.
According to the Governor, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Hon. Benibo Anabraba, his administration, would continue to undertake and encourage adaptation strategies to combat flooding.
In his words: “The Rivers State Government will continue to undertake and encourage adaptation strategies, such as construction of seawalls and breakers, canals and channels, restoring coastal ecology and ecosystem for coastal resilience and where necessary, the relocation of communities on the coastline.
“These issues are currently receiving the much needed attention and intervention by the recent approval of the construction of shoreline protection along the coastlines of more than five communities in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni and Opobo/Nkoro LGAs respectively.”
“It is important that as stakeholders in the protection and preservation of marine environment, we all act and advocate for mitigation strategies such as reduction in emission of Green House Gasses that causes climate change and rise in sea levels. Let us promote the use of clean energy and against fossil fuel.
Governor Fubara further cautioned residents to desist from building on waterways.
“We also need to encourage our people to stop developing buildings on and along natural water courses, indiscriminate sea mining and dredging activities on our coastline without consideration for mangroves and swamps,” he stressed.
He appreciated the author for his advanced contributions to the body of knowledge in both Rivers State and globally.
Also speaking, a former Military Governor of the old Rivers State and Amayanabo of Twon Brass, King Alfred Ditte-Spiff, who was Royal Father at the Event, stated that the book was timely to enable stakeholders manage the challenges of global warming.
“Global warming is real. If it’s not addressed globally, a time will come coastal areas will find themselves under water. The coastline of Nigeria is shocking with many mangroves gone,” he noted.
The Reviewer of the Book, who is also the Vice Chancellor of Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology, Ondo State, Prof Temi Ologunorisa, explained that the 14-chapter book is timeous as it fills literary gaps between desire and available knowledge on coastal flood and erosion in developing communities.,
“A major beauty of the book that sets it apart is the detailed consideration of flood and erosion control from around the world,” he stated, adding that the book is based on detailed field investigation.