Bravo! Super Eagles, Rivers United

On Sunday, October 9, 2016, the Supper
Eagles of Nigeria recorded a 2-1 away
victory over the Chipolopolo of Zambia in the opening 2018 World Cup qualifying Group B game played at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium, Ndola, Zambia. The result, alongside the 1-1 draw played out by other group members, Algeria and Cameroon, placed the Super Eagles as leaders of the group in which only the top team would qualify for the mundial in Russia, after round one.
Though it may be the early days in the qualifying campaign, the fact that the Super Eagles who had failed to qualify for two consecutive Africa Cup of Nations and had for long failed to record away wins for some time now, that the Eagles turned out to be the first team to inflict a home loss on Zambia, on their own soil marks a positive sign for Nigeria’s national team.
That is why The Tide joins other Nigerians to commend the performance of the Super Eagles who rose up to the occasion in spite of all odds to kick-start their march to Russia 2018 on a positive note. We commend the new found commitment, industry and togetherness evident in the present Super Eagles Squad.
Also, commendable is the comportment and professional attitude of the team’s new Franco-German coach, Gernot Rohr, who has refused to be distracted by sundry issues. With the new found positive attitude and indeed the right focus, we believe that the task of qualifying and flying the country’s flag at Russia 2018 is achievable.
We must, however, caution the Super Eagles against being carried away by that opening day victory over Zambia. Instead, they should see the victory as a stepping stone to greater heights. We say so because tougher matches await the Eagles, especially those involving the Fennecs of Algeria and Indomitable Lions of Cameroon. This means that it is not yet uhuru for the national team. Now therefore, is the time for all, players, managers and administrators to close ranks and ensure all hands are on deck to build on the momentum which the Zambia defeat means.
Early preparation is key and critical to more successes. Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the Sports Ministry must ensure that all logistics are put in place in good time as the games approach, especially, the November 12 date against Algeria in Uyo. The familiar fire brigade attitude to things must be avoided if Nigeria must qualify for the World Cup.
Also, players’ incentives and welfare should be prioritised to bring out the best from them while also advising the players to exhibit utmost patriotism and professionalism while in the national colours. It is a fact that every labourer deserves his wages but national interest must be put above selfish and group interests.
The new Technical Adviser to the national team, Coach Rohr and the players have shown that they have the hunger and necessary skills to deliver; they must therefore be given all the support and enabling environment to thrive.
In like manner, The Tide commends the outstanding performance of the Rivers State professional football team, Rivers United FC in the just-concluded 2016 Nigeria Professional Football League, NPFL. Emerging from the ashes of the defunct Sharks and Dolphins FCs, Rivers United in its few months of existence showed commendable doggedness and focus to compete and qualify to represent Nigeria in next season’s elite continental club competition, the CAF Champions League.
Though the season’s title went to Rangers International of Enugu with 63 points from 36 matches, Rivers United garnered 60 points, winning their last fixture away from home to finish runners up, barely seven months after formation.
While we congratulate the coaches, players, supporters and backroom staff that worked to ensure the success of today, Rivers State Government, particularly, Governor Nyesom Wike deserves a huge commendation for his wisdom, passion and political will to collapse both Sharks and Dolphins FCs into a one stronger and more viable football club.
Today, Rivers United FC is not only more economical for the State to sponsor but also more vibrant, a unifying and rallying point for all Rivers people.
In the next season, they must rise above the runners-up position because it is not the best the club can achieve, considering the huge investment put into its formation. The 2016 performance and continental ticket earned must be considered a take-off point to conquer the domestic and continental targets next term.
Happily, Governor Wike, who spoke during the team’s reception at the Rivers State Government House assured them of total support, including a training tour in Spain, Europe to put them in good stead for the task ahead.
The Tide agrees with Governor Wike that the time to start preparation was yesterday. With support already assured, the team should have no excuse but to do the needful to ensure that the state celebrates the 2017 CAF Champions League and NPFL titles.