The Super Eagles of Nigeria on Sunday 13th October, 2013 defeated Ethiopia 2-1 Addis Ababa in the first leg of the 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifiers in Brazil.
The victory, of course did not come on a platter of Gold. Nigeria strived through sweat for it under excruciating humidity in the East African enclave.
The Ethiopians played with verve and zest. Very few pundits were startled by their performance. When both countries squared up in the 2013 Africa Cup of nations hosted in South Africa, it took two clinical spot kicks by one lone Liverpool striker, Victor Moses to topple the ‘stubborn’ Wyla Antelopes in a match that sparked Nigeria’s match to her third Nations Cup triumph.
The Wyla Antelopes used their outing in South Africa to serve a notice to the rest of Africa and indeed the world that they are no longer pushovers in the round leather game. I’m sure their meteoric rise in the most ‘beautiful and most watched sport was not lost on Eagles hence, their cautious approach in that sunny drenched atmosphere in Addis Ababa.
The Ethiopians played their hearts out in front of their vociferous supporters. They took the game to the Eagles and showed great desire to claim victory at home. And for all of first half, they had the lion’s share in position.
They moved the ball around with seamless ease and interchanged passes with breathtaking accuracy. They were well organized at the back and the job was made much easier by a compact midfield that literally shut out the duo of Mikel Obi and Ogenyi Onazi.
As the duel wore on, many Nigerians and even the players, I am sure feared for worse. Without any iota of doubt, but at the risk of sounding unpatriotic, the Eagles were outplayed for long periods in the match especially the first half.
Their only undoing in the nail-biting clash was their prodigality in front of the goal despite creating good goal scoring chances. And had they the slightest experience, a deadly goal poacher in the mould would have nailed the Eagles in the first half.
They played as a unit and were able to string passes together which only indicated how much they were prepared to test the might of the reigning African champions.
But for lack of composure and sheer lack of that clinical point, the Eagles would have left Addis Ababa with nothing. For the Ethiopians, their toughness, roughness and spirited tenacity was not matched with the much needed experience and intelligence. That is where Nigeria had the edge.
The Super Eagles were outclassed and looked out of sorts in the first half of the encounter. Yet, the maturity and experience garnered overtime in such dire moments paid off admirably well.
The defence line led by emerging and dependably strongman, Godfrey Oboabona and complemented by Elderson Echiejile, Efe Ambrose and Warri wolves captain, Asubike Egwuekwe were all rock solid thus, thwarting the Wyla Antelopes’ efforts.
Vincent Enyeama was at his best in spite of that nervy moment that gave the home side a much deserved lead. As soon as the Eagles went behind, they regrouped and took the game with vicious rage to the Ethiopians, and soon, a solo and powerful drive from Emmanuel Emenike leveled matters. There and then, Nigeria took charge and played with more urgency and believe. They played as if a spell had been lifted off them. Our boys rose to the occasion and showed the Ethiopians the stuff champions are made of. And the surge was crowned with a second goal via a penalty coolly dispatched by the rampaging Emenike.
It was an important victory that has now put Nigeria one foot in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. But before we get carried away by the spur of the moment, let’s finish the business on 16th November in Calabar.
It is pertinent to draw the team’s attention to the fact that they must not take the Ethiopians for granted. The second leg must be approached with zeal and win-win attitude.
The coaching team led by Stephen Kechi must ram it into the players’ ears that complacency will be detrimental to their quest to hoist the nation’s flag in Brazil. The lapses made in Addis Ababa must be corrected.
Players in the best of form should be fielded. I trust Keshi not to disappoint in that regard. Vincent Enyeama remains our best goalkeeper having proofed himself overtime hence; his seeming error in Addis Ababa should not be used as a yardstick to judge the Akwa Ibom born goal tender. He is our stand-in captain, and deserves all the support.
It is cheery news coming from the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) that the Super Eagles will tackle The Azzuri of Italy in a friendly match on 18th November – a day after playing the Ethiopians in Calabar. It is good and most commendable that such a top-match is in the offing for Nigeria. It will further strengthen and mould the team for future engagements.
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