The lacklustre performance of the Super Eagles of Nigeria in their last Nations Cup cracker between the Bafana Bafana of South Africa has left a sour taste in the mouths of their fans. Since the encounter some fans have written them off as a team without finesse and proper coordination. Others are worried about their forthcoming qualifying match between the more physical side like the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon.
The Super Eagles of Nigeria are warming up to face a better and improved Indomitable Lions of Cameroun on August 28 in the qualifier for the world cup 2018. Matches lined up for the Camerounian national team included the one against Morocco in Yaoundé, which was played on June 8. The match ended as draw and the next was played on June 13 against Colombia at the coliseum Alfonzo Perez stadium, Getafe, home of the Spanish club.
Super Eagles of Nigeria currently top the table with six points from two games, while Cameroon sits second with two points from two games. The question now is: How hungry are the Eagles for the match against Cameroon?
Nigeria, on the other hand, arranged a match against a European team, Corsica and a member of the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF), Christian Chukwu, strongly objected to the choice of the team, arguing that an African team would have been more appropriate as the game would be against an African, not a European team.
The Next Edition sought the opinion of Nigerians on this and how prepared the national team is for the up-coming clash. This is what some enthusiasts said about Nigeria’s preparation for the match.
Mr. Aderibigbe Sheriff: “With the calibre of people in the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF), who seem to know little or nothing about football, what do we expect from them? The organization, planning and execution of strategies towards sports generally will, in fact, be nothing out of the ordinary if not a rehearsal for another disaster.”
Mr. Abraham: “Nigerian matches are unpredictable, much was expected from the national team in the match against South Africa but much worse was the outcome of the match; Nigeria lost and not just lost but they also performed poorly. Nigerians’ have lost interest in watching their matches. The inclusion of more experienced players will go a long way to achieve the set results.”
Mr. Lucky Benedict: “It is hard to predict what will happen in the match against Cameroon because I did not have the opportunity to watch the game against South-Africa. I do not know the players in the Nigerian team, let alone be competent to judge their ability or even give an in-depth analysis about the match. My advice is that experienced players be invited for the match and not players that sit on the bench throughout matches in their clubs. Most importantly, efforts should be intensified in all the departments, including attack, midfield, defence and goalkeeping.”
Mr. Ozoh Demian: “The last match was a disaster. Nigeria performed poorly in the match despite the fact that they started the match well. Nigeria dominated the match until the second half when South Africa regained momentum and changed the game, leading to their first victory against Nigeria in any major competition. “If Nigeria continues like that, I am afraid we will go nowhere.”
Louis Dominic: “If the Super Eagles are expecting any good result from that match, the likes of Victor Moses, Mikel Obi, Carl Ikemie and others have to be present in the game else the same fate as that of South Africa will befall them again, if not worse.”
Chinonye Onyenwere: “Nigeria will may not qualify if the invited players lack commitment, conviction and play as if they are compelled to.”
Olumide Akintomide: “The Super Eagles will win over Cameroon on the ground that they are playing at home. If players are determined and committed on the pitch, victory will be theirs. “I want to encourage the Super Eagles to try and win the match as it will avail them the opportunity to work less against the other two countries in the group.”
Valentine Kingsley: “Nigeria will do better against Cameroon, probably Nigeria can win the game and move ahead to qualify for the world cup. The Indomitable Lions should not underrate Nigeria based on the fact that Nigeria lost against South-Africa. This match is going to be a different ball game altogether.”
Comrade Ade: “With the right attitude from the management and players, a better result will come from that match. Lack of support from the federation to sportsmen and women has left them feeling reluctant whenever they are in their national colours. They can not be blamed for this; if the sports ministry can shun politics, other sentiments and allow coaches to perform without dictation, the height, which sport will attain in the country will be very high.”
Mr. Effiong Udo: “First and foremost, Nigeria do not have a team for now, so the coaching crew should forget the game against South-Africa and focus on forming a team rather than dwelling on the past. No matter what it takes, they should try and work with those who have succeeded in various sports to impart their knowledge to the new generation. Everyone should develop interest in sports by so doing, they can upgrade sports consciousness in the country. Sport is the only binding factor that keeps Nigerians united. And every avenue should be made for everyone to be able to go out and support our sportsmen and women, whether they win or not. Other countries support their sportsmen and women from start to finish but Nigerians are fast in criticizing. If you want to be great, you need to finance your greatness.”
