SUPER EAGLES TAKE COMMAND.
The race for the 2018 FIFA World Cup to be staged in Russia, gathered momentum as the second round of matches in the African terrain were completed across the continent. There were some interesting results to record as the Terrenga Lions of Senegal fell to a 2-1 loss in South Africa against the Bafana Bafana, in their group D encounter, with Burkinafaso going tops after collecting a 2-0 win over Cape verde. However, it is in group B, that we have the most interest as Nigeria faced the gargantuan task of hosting the best footballing nation on the continent, Algeria.
As expected, it was a keen encounter which everyone had dreadfully anticipated. The magnanimity of the match could not be any more as the contest held important scenarios for both teams. Algeria having drawn their first match at home to Cameroun, badly needed a win, while the host, Nigeria, needed to consolidate an impressive opening victory at Zambia. In the end, the Super eagles posted a spirited performance to stun the talent-dripping North Africans with a 3-1 triumph in Uyo.
To begin with, this is a very good and pivotal result for so many reasons. Given the fact that Nigeria has sat out of the last two editions of the African Cup of Nations due to several issues that rocked the team, it is commendable that, against the best team and crop of players on the continent, the Super eagles could stand their ground. It was not a roller-coaster as the Algerians lined up foray after foray of attack, with Islam Slimani and Riyad Mahrez asking continuous questions of the defence. However, the three points were secured.
Futhermore, we have to celebrate such a crucial result especially in this 'group of death'. A lot of people feared for the nation's chances and rightly so with the insipid and desperately ludicrous performances of the team which left them in an appalling rank. However, two matches in, the Super eagles are top and with a comfortable four point cushion to match. Cameroun, unfortunately could not take full spoils against Zambia at home which leaves them with a paltry two points, though, they occupy second place. Bear in mind that only one team would bag the ticket to Russia, and with our next two matches to come against the Indomitable lions, we seem to have our destiny in our own hands quite early.
I also commend this performance and result, as it marks a new era in the country's national team's fortunes. We have a young team now and no one can deny the vibrancy with which both matches have been executed. The likes of Victor Moses, who is enjoying the best moment of his career is an important figure. His brace against the desert foxes was instrumental. Also, we have other upcoming talents who are making waves in Kelechi Iheanacho and Alex Iwobi. These three upfront caused problems and linked well. Their combination and development together can only bode well on the long run. Let us not forget Leon Balogun, who was very impressive on Saturday in foiling some deadly attempts and frustrating Islam Slimani in particular. On this note, I say that Gernot Rohr is pooling together a strong team of acute talent and time would only tell how far we can reach.
However, as the dust settles on the rapturous celebrations that has ensued, the team and Rohr in paticular must take heed to some warnings. We praise the attack and the vibrancy it offers, but a look at the defence and midfield would make you say a lot can still be done. At Ndola, we took the 2-0 lead but in the second half, cracks appeared in abundance and though we could have scored more, we were pleased to leave with the three points with only the goals halved. We saw the same on Saturday, though we picked a comfortable win in the end. The amount of space the Algerians juggled with in the second half was not too impressive. Nabil Bentaleb's blinder is just an example of what we can suffer if this persists.
In all, we are pleased to be in a comfortable position; top of the dreaded pool and with some distance to our closest challengers,Cameroun. Till hostilities resume in August next year, it is Nigeria who would be smiling broadly but with caution. The command is with the Eagles!
Comments
Post a Comment