Former Internationals Disagree On Eagles Defeat In Conakry

Former soccer internationals — Okey Isima, Henry Nwosu and Bright Omokaro — have differed on why Nigeria lost Sunday’s 2012 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Guinea in Conakry.

Tidesports source reports that while Isima and Nwosu believed that FIFA’s suspension of Nigeria affected the team’s performance, Omokaro said it had no bearing on the loss.

Alleging government interference in football administration, FIFA on Oct. 4 suspended Nigeria from international football only to temporarily lift the action last Thursday to enable the Super Eagles face Guinea in the qualifier.

Isima blamed the 1-0 defeat on the suspension.

“The players and officials were not sure if the match would hold until the last minute and that, no doubt, must have affected the players’ morale,” said the former defender.

“The Eagles played as if there was nothing at stake. The players did not show commitment.

“The kind of coordinated football Green Eagles of old were noted for was lacking and at a stage, I had to switch to the other match involving Ghana and Sudan to enjoy myself “.

Isima called for the prompt appointment of a substantive coach for the team before their next game against Ethiopia.

“This interim or caretaker coach appointment given to Eguavoen (Austin) does not augur well for concentration.

“The man does not know if he will be in charge for the next match and this instability will definitely hamper any long term coaching plan,” he added.

Former midfielder, Nwosu, said the loss was unfortunate and blamed the defeat on FIFA’s suspension.

“Guinea’s pedigree in football coupled with Nigeria’s suspension by FIFA contributed to the loss on Sunday in Conakry.”

Nwosu agreed with Isima that the uncertainty surrounding the game must have affected the players .

“The players and their handlers were not sure if the match would be played until the last minute and that must have affected them psychologically,” he added.

The former Asec Mimosas of Cote D’Ivoire star advised the coaching crew to work on the  players psyche ahead of Nigeria’s next match.

“The players’ psyche must be worked on collectively and individually before the next match  to enhance their winning mentality,’’ Nwosu said.

Omokaro differed from his former colleagues and called for the inclusion of some players from the domestic league in the team.

“The coach should include 80 per cent of the local players in the team to ensure stiff competition for shirts.

“Westerhof (Clemens) did that with us and it worked. I have noticed that majority of the foreign-based professionals don’t have anything to offer.

“They will wake up and show more commitment if they are displaced by the local players.

“I don’t subscribe to blaming the loss on Nigeria’s suspension by FIFA. The suspension was done indoor while football is played on the pitch.

“Was it FIFA that asked them to play badly and lose?’’, asked the former Insurance FC of Benin star.

Tidesport reports that Guinea now leads the group with six points followed by Nigeria and Ethiopia with three points each, while Madagascar have yet to win any game in two outings.