SUPER EAGLES BEGIN NICELY
The road to the 2018 FIFA World Cup to be staged in Russia has begun in earnest and Africa joined the party over the weekend as the qualifying matches were played across the continent. However, of more importance and joy was it for the Super Eagles of Nigeria to kick off their campaign with a well taken win in the heat of Ndola, Zambia on Sunday as they seek to navigate a hotly setup pool that contains three of Africa's representatives to the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, as Algeria and Cameroun also lie in wait.
The draws, when they were made, was a gory sight for most Nigerians as the ranking of the nation's national team was not in a commendable place and was partly responsible for such a pool. Also, the blooming quality of the playing personnel that Algeria in particular has to offer as Islam Slimani and Riyad Mahrez, continue to cause ripples in England, also sent its shivers, but, with the first round of matches completed, it is the Super eagles who seat pretty up top and would only require caution, determination, hardwork and professionalism from all quarters to finish there. Only one team qualifies.
Facing Zambia ,which in all respect due, is the weakest of the big boys, was always an opportunity which one only wondered whether the Super eagles would seize. With the other two contenders fighting each other at the other end, it was a nice opportunity to start things on a good and easy note. I say that whoever wants to boost his chances of qualification, should take out Zambia. Six points is a must. Maybe conceding is not too good but we have the points and with Algeria and Cameroun cancelling each other out, we have a two point cushion heading into our gargantuan clash with Les Fenneces of Algeria next month. On a psychological note, not bad at all.
Though the rankings portrayed a disparity,I saw all the teams on the same level in the sense that they all have changed managers. Nigeria and Zambia's reasons are quite obvious. Back to back AFCON misses is not acceptable. However, I saw Christian Gourcouff leaving Algeria shocking and bemusing to say the least. The Frenchman had done a very commendable job in putting together a strong team which, looked set to return the glory days of the 90's . However, there seems to be a state of mini turnmoil and panic around Algeria at the moment as replacement, Milovan Rajevac, has been sent packing after just a match in. It is not a pleasant start for the desert foxes but, it is a platform for us to exploit. We face them next month and yes, they are the biggest threat in the group, but, we have a big chance at home and must go all out.
Finally, Gernot Rhor has come in and although , personally, I am yet to be convinced of his suitability as a long term solution, but with him and the growing crop of talents, yes, Alex Iwobi, Kelechi Iheanacho and Carl Ikeme in particular, we are on an upward curve in this race. Now, they would only need support and by support, I mean the 'esteemed' Nigerian Football Federation, to do their part properly and accordingly. Amaju Pinnick's administration has been a loud disaster as far as I am concerned but, they could save themselves some dignity if they can help this team in no small way to achieve this objective. It is the least they can do after two AFCON failures. Goodluck to everyone.
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