Sports
Nigerians Renew Calls For New Eagles Coach
Following Super Eagles’ loss to Syli Stars of Guinea in Sunday’s Nations Cup qualifier, some football enthusiasts have renewed the call for a competent coach for the team.
Some of the enthusiasts told newsmen in Abuja on Tuesday that it was high time a competent coach was appointed.
Mr Gabriel Abakpa, an Asokoro resident, said that it was time to end the gimmick in the appointment of Samson Siasia as the substantive coach for the Super Eagles.
“Let’s get someone who understands the mentality of the local players to handle the team and build a structure for our football.
“In my opinion, Samson Siasia possesses all these qualities to take us to the next level; he can do it, he took us to the Olympics and made us proud,” Abakpa said.
He faulted the tactics of coach Austin Eguavoen for the team’s defeat in last Sunday’s game in Conakry.
“I believe that if the coach was technically sound enough he could have effected changes that would have turned the game around in Nigeria’s favour.
“So it still could be blamed on the coach because he didn’t know what to do at a particular time; his over-reliance on certain players had no impact on the team,” he added.
He, however, said Nigerian football needed a total overhaul for the country to regain its lost glory.
“Once they build a structure for the Super Eagles, I can tell you that our football will get to the next level,’’ he said.
On his part, Ossom Raphael, another Abuja resident, said the technical crew of the team was not effective in the game.
He said a change would be the best thing, but advised the authorities to be cautious about it.
“I think it’s high time we did something about our coach; I feel we should go for one with class, not necessarily a foreign coach, we can make do with a local coach,” he said.
Ossom, however, said the football house could not be entirely absolved of blame over the dismal performance in Conakry on Sunday.
“I think the crisis rocking the football house contributed to the performance of the Super Eagles in Conakry last Sunday; it also affected them psychologically,” he said.
Mr Jacob Nimzing, a sports journalist in Abuja, said that it was time to give the home-based players a chance in the new team.
“I believe the home-based players can do better if they are encouraged, particularly if they are camped for a good time, and with the right technical inputs they can deliver,” he said.
The Tidesports source reports that the Super Eagles trail Guinea in second position with three points from two matches in the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.
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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