Confed Cup: Anger Over Eagles’ Dismal Performance

        

Stakeholders and Football fans in Nigeria are still expressing their anger over thedismal performance of the Super Eagles at the Brazil 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup.

A cross section of fans in Abuja who spoke to the NAN, expressed mixed feelings about the performance of the team.

Emmanuel Okala, a businessman, said that the Nigerian strikers lacked initiative, ideas and were not clinical.

“The Super Eagles created lots of scoring opportunities but the strikers were once again wasteful’’, he said.

Adeolu Adewunmi, a civil servant, observed that the Super Eagles gave their Spanish counterpart too much respect “and that was why we conceded that early goal’’.

“The boys later realised that they could give Spain a good fight, but it was a little too late,’’ Emezie Ndeokwelu, a lawyer.

“Nigeria played as a team, Musa also did well from the flanks. “The problem is that we do not have finishers to complement a very good midfield.’’

Ndeokwelu urged the coach to employ the assistance of foreign-based players in order to beef up the squad ahead of the 2014 World Cup.

“Keshi must try as the ‘big boss’ to make amends with our foreign strikers, especially, Osaze Odemewinge.”

Another fan, Azu Mike, a banker, said it was a good match as the boys showed that they weren’t pushovers as so many had thought.

“The boys did well. Mikel Obi, in my opinion, was the best player of the match.

“I think there are still some positive sides we can take away from this game’’, he said.

A former Eagles Coach, Christian Chukwu told the News Agency of Nigeria that the loss was essentially based on inexperience, because they were not able to utilise the many chances they created.

“To me, it was not a bad match; we can now really know what our team is like — our deficiencies and how to make amends.

“It is also a lack of concentration. Our striking force is weak and as a result, failed to convert our chances into goals. That is the difference between the world champions, Spain and Nigeria,’’ Chukwu said.

Paul Hamilton, another former Falcons Coach, said that it was a good thing they (the Eagles) participated in the competition and now, they must have gained some experience.

Hamilton added that it all boiled down to the same issue the players have been experiencing from the onset, which was failing to convert goal chances.

“I am happy the players were able to participate in the Confederations Cup and play with the top shots in football.

“I know they have learnt a few lessons from the competition, to build upon toward their remaining two qualifying matches for the World Cup,’’ Hamilton said. Olatunde Lawson, Team Lagos Coach, said although the Eagles played well, they were humbled by a more superior team.

“Even when we lost, it was a good game for our level. Spain is a very strong and talented team. We did our best to my knowledge,” he said.

Chris Eseka, a veteran Sport Analyst, said the technical bench should only learn from the mistakes in the team and correct them, ahead of the remaining World Cup qualifying matches.

He appealed to Nigerians not to be discouraged about the turn of events, but to keep faith with the team because better days were ahead.

Joe Erico, a former Super Eagles Assistant Coach, said the team played their game but unfortunately, they meet a stronger team.

He said that the team needed more training now that they had been eliminated. They should get back and see their faults and work hard to correct them.

“Football is like humans who are bound to make mistakes.  Everybody makes mistakes in life.

“Now the team has made their mistakes and they should go and do their homework and correct areas where they have faulted.

“I will still give kudos to Coach Stephen Keshi and his boys. I believe in change because it is the only constant thing in life, but all hope is not lost. They can go back and retrace their steps,’’ Erico added.

source: pmnewsnigeria.com