THE SUPER EAGLES OF NIGERIA ARE GRADUALLY BECOMING THE FORCE OF AFRICA
Pelumi King
On Sunday, the Super Eagles of Nigeria defeated Lesotho 4-2. Many people might argue that it is against lesser opposition, but the game of football is not played on paper, rather it is a game that is played on the field. Lesotho came out guns blazing and got the first goal in the 11th minute. The Super Eagles of Nigeria were left dumbfounded and shell-shocked. They quickly got themselves together and got the equalising goal through Alex Iwobi. Nigeria went on to win the game 4-2 with star man Victor Osimhen scoring two goals and making two assists.
Nigeria, after not qualifying for the Nations Cup two successive times after winning it, reached the semifinals of the last African Nations Cup. They later ended up getting bronze in the competition. One might argue that if there had been a better goalkeeper they might have made it to the finals of the competition. Nigeria only lost once in the qualifying stage of the competition, to South Africa.
Let’s not forget that the Super Eagles did not lose a single game in the World Cup qualifiers. Nigeria as a team is going places.
Previous setbacks and experiences made the Nigerian national football team a laughing stock in the eyes of other nations. It became so bad that other teams gained massive confident against Nigeria, enough to beat them at their own home ground. Nigeria’s game against South Africa is a perfect example.
Let’s also not forget the friendly between Uganda and Nigeria. It was on Vincent Enyeama’s 100th appearance for Nigeria. Nigeria lost their game to Uganda 1-0. It was the first time that Uganda would beat Nigeria on their home soil. Nigeria’s glory days were deemed to be long gone and seen as something that would take a long time to return.
The tide has now turned. Nigeria have won so many games, and have become a very difficult team to beat. African teams now have to dig very deep before beating Nigeria. Their tactics and style of play have metamorphosed. Little by little, the glory days are returning.
Some might find this difficult to believe and accept but it is the truth. This is not just a team that is in form, the Nigerian Super Eagles have become consistent and fun to watch. The young players plus a good coach are the main factor to this. This team has talent, this team has flair, this team has strength, this team has consistency, this team is one of a kind. It is only a matter of time before this team starts winning trophies.
It may take years but the Nigerian Super Eagles will find their way to the top of the pyramid of African football. They are already bamboozling and tearing others apart with their style of play and also with the way that they press. They are winning over other teams, neutral fans and lovers of football with their style and flair. The Super Eagles are steadily becoming a football force in Africa.
