Bravo Super Eagles, But …

The World Cup has come to an epic end
with great moments of hi-tech football
that kept 32 national teams, and billions of soccer enthusiasts across the globe ‘literally glued to their television sets.
The Super Eagles of Nigeria dropped out of the competition in the second round after a spirited and commendable effort that saw them emerge as runners-up in their group and undeservedly losing to France after dominating the greater part of the match in the second round.
Although the Super Eagles were expected to go beyond the second round, having achieved that milestone first in 1994 in the United States of America and later in France 1998, the ouster of Spain, the defending World Champions in the first round shows that the Super Eagles did not fare badly after all.
The Tide is impressed that the Super Eagles, which was one of the least rated teams before the competition gave a good account of themselves in the competition with some of the players attracting very positive mention from analysts and the goal keeper, Vincent Enyeama, rated as the 4th best of the tournament. The Super Eagles did not win the cup but they took Nigeria to a new height and raised hopes that with a little more effort, an African country can lift the World Cup soon.
While we commend the performance of the Super Eagles, we find some actions by the players and the managers of the team rather discomforting and precipitous. We wonder why Coach Stephen Keshi, Captain Joseph Yobo and Osaze Odemwingie would announce their resignation from the national team immediately after the team lost to France? The country should be interested in why they chose to quit at a time the job of preparing a formidable squad for the next Nations Cup and the 2018 world Cup should begin.
The Tide  knows that the true motivation for sports is fair competition and team spirit should not be lost on the participants and their supporters even as we seek victory. While it is desirable and indeed a great thing to win, only one team can be victorious in any contest. This would by no means reduce the value of participation by countries and their representatives.
On these accounts, the Super Eagles have done well. But, they could have done better if the players had sustained their focus on the task before them rather than the distraction of demanding immediate financial gains in the thick of battle. At a very crucial stage of the competition, when total devotion and absolute commitment were required, the Super Eagles players protested the non-payment of the money that was yet to be released by FIFA.
This was an unnecessary blight on the emotions of Nigerians who stood solidly behind the team, offering prayers and support in various forms and the Federal Government that had promptly released funds for their World Cup needs including match bonuses.
The 2014 World Cup revealed the wisdom in the use of young players in the various teams. We also note that the desperation to win resulted in many dangerous tackles that could rob the game of its appeal. The brutal tackle on Nigerian midfielder Ogenyi Onazi and Brazil’s Neymar ended their participation in the championship.
The World Cup also raised concerns over officiating as well as the rights of supporters clubs. These we believe, should serve as lessons for the future. The Super Eagles are said to lack technical depth. However, the failure of the Nigerian Football Federation to keep to contractual obligations with coaches and players cannot be downplayed.
Nigerians should support their sportsmen as the nation’s ambassadors at every level in order to encourage them to excel. Even so, the country truly needs people who understand what patriotism means. We reiterate that those privileged to wear the nation’s colours should not forget that they no longer represent themselves, but the entire country.
We believe that the Super Eagles can do better and should be encouraged, rather than the criticisms trailing their performance. If Spain, the defending champions were received with a tumultuous welcome inspite of its rather inglorious exit in the first round, the Super Eagles who entered the competition as underdogs but made a mark deserve commendation.