Sports

World Cup: Argentina Bridge too long for Super Eagles to cross

Published

6 years ago

June 27, 2018

…As Messi says Nigeria match was a difficult game***

In a match of contrasting styles that lived up to its billing, the Lionel Messi-captained La Albiceleste of Argentina fought tooth and nail to edge the Super Eagles out of the World Cup in Russia.

The Argentines from the blast of Referee Cuneyt Cakir’s whistle, took the game by the scruff of the neck, by scoring their opening goal in the 14thminute through the mercurial Lionel Messi; from an incisive pass from Eva Banega.

Not only did Argentina dominate proceedings in the first half, the Super Eagles played with a bit of stage fright it seemed, by allowing Messi, Angel di Maria, Gonzalo Higuain and others, to literally run rings around them.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Nigeria had 34 per cent while Argentina had 66 percent ball possession, in a match the South Americans took eight shots as against Nigeria’s nine shots…of the shots Nigeria had three of their shots on target and Argentina had five on target.

La Albiceleste had five corner kicks as against three for Super Eagles, 20 fouls were committed by Nigeria and Argentina committed 15, Argentina got three yellow cards, while Nigeria got two.

The match was watched by 64, 468 at the Zenit St Petersburg FC Stadium in the heart of the city of St Petersburg.

Midfielders like Banega and Javier Mascherano found so much space in our midfield as they continued to exploit the spaces provided by our defenders, who were most times drawn out of position by the twinkle toed Messi.

It took the alertness of Francis Uzoho to prevent the Super Eagles from two apparent scoring chances from Higuain and a sublime free kick delivered by Messi to keep the scores at a respectable margin.

When eventually the Eagles began to mount their attacks through darting runs from Ahmed Musa and Kelechi Iheanacho and supported by Oghenekaro Etebo from the midfield, they lacked the cutting edge to trouble the Argentines.

Even though Nigeria equalised in the opening stages of the second half through a Victor Moses penalty kick, after the Video Assist Referee had indicted Mascherano for a foul on Leon Balogun, Odion Ighalo missed two gilt edged opportunities that would have wrapped up the match for Nigeria.

On hindsight, La Albiceleste proved to be the better team because of their skills level, their doggedness, their tactical discipline and of course, the Messi touch within their ranks.

While Nigeria were striving for a draw which would have been enough to qualify the team for the Round of 16, the Argentines went all out for the goal that they needed to stay on in the tournament.

The result meant Argentina finished the group stage with four points, one ahead of Nigeria, to jointly qualify from the “Group of Death’’alongside Vatreni of Croatia with nine points, while the Strakkamir Okkar of Iceland had one point.

Although the Super Eagles played with guts and vigour, they lacked the gamesmanship to kill the game because of lack of experience at that level; which the wily Argentines have in abundance and executed with aplomb.

On the part of Coach Jorge Sampaoli, whose job was on the line, he did the needful during the match by bring in players like Sergio Aguero and Christian Pavon to add more bite to the team’s attack which eventually paid off.

Likewise, we expected Rohr to make the necessary instant substitutions in the defence and the midfield which he didn’t, but when he eventually made the substitutions, it was too little and too late; because La Albiceleste had gained the upper hand.

In terms of refereeing, the Turkish referee, Cakir was simply overwhelmed by the magnitude of the match through the inconsistent calls he made, which denied Nigeria a clear cut penalty kick; after Iheanacho was kicked in the head.

Technology also played its part in the match after the VAR spotted the infringement of Mascherano on Balogun, but the same VAR was overruled by the centre referee after Marcos Rojo had touched the ball with his hand and the rest is now history.

In spite of failing to qualify for the second round of the 2018 FIFA World Cup, the Super Eagles cannot be said to have failed woefully compared to some other teams at the global football fiesta, the team performed well and can be rightly described as a work in progress.

On his assessment of the team’s performance, Ben Duamlong, a former Assistant Coach of the Super Eagles at the 2002 Korea-Japan World Cup, the players should be proud of themselves because they were not disgraced.

“The Super Eagles went down with their heads up and it now depends on the people upstairs (Nigeria Football Federation — NFF) to decide where we go from here.

“If the proper things are done in the years ahead…this team will surely come back better and stronger…in the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations’ tournament and the 2022 World Cup,’’ Duamlong said.

It now behooves on the Amaju Pinnick-led Nigeria Football Federation Executive Committee to carry out the necessary inquest, peruse the technical report from Rohr and chart a new path for a successful participation in future tournaments.

In the meantime, Lionel Messi, the Argentine ace player, who scored the opening goal against Nigeria in the last group D match of the FIFA World Cup in Russia has referred to the encounter as `a difficult one’.
Speaking at post match conference shortly after his team beat Nigeria 2-1 at St. Petersburg Stadium on Tuesday, Messi who agreed that the match was balanced praised the Eagles for their gallant showing.

‘‘It was a very balanced game, we were able to control the first half, we had more possession, they tried to create chances around after the first goal.
‘ ‘We thought the second half would be similar but they scored a penalty and that made things more difficult, we got nervous, we had pressure as time goes faster,’’ he said.
Messi, who became the third Argentine player to score in three World Cups, following Diego Maradona and Gabriel Batistuta accepted that his side had to battle hard against Nigeria.
He, however, said that they were aware of the threat posed by France their next opponent, saying: ‘‘We know France is a good side and we will find solution to their antics,’’ he said.

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Ikoyi Club Hosts Asiodu At 90 Golf Tournament

Published

7 months ago

March 13, 2024

Maritime First

The Chairman of the famous Ikoyi Club 1938 Alhaji Tafa Zibiri-Aliu, is set to lead other dignitaries to a golf tournament at the Club to celebrate the former Permanent Secretary and Secretary of Petroleum Chief Philip Asiodu (CON, CFR), who turned 90 years recently.

The Golf Kitty which is invitational, and comes up on Thursday 14th March 2024, at the Golf Section of the Club, will have in attendance the Captain Mr. Tade Adekunle, and other distinguished members playing, according to Dr. Austin Irabor a member of the Club who spoke on behalf of the organizers.

He pointed out that it promises to be a true celebration of excellence at the Ikoyi Club 1938 golf course, as members, veterans, captains of industries, and leaders in government and business amongst others gather at the club’s golf course for the 90th birthday celebration golf kitty in honour of Chief Philip Asiodu, who was also a Chief Economic Adviser to President Olusegun Obasanjo.

The Golf Kitty is scheduled to hold on the 14th of March 2024 as part of the activities for the celebration of Chief Asiodu’s 90th birthday.

Chief Asiodu is the Patriarch of the Asiodu family of Nnikwu village, Umuaji, Asaba, Delta State, and a distinguished senior member, a veteran of the Ikoyi Club, and the Golf section for many decades

Also, speaking on behalf of the family, Ogbueshi Peter Osamgbi noted that “Chief Asiodu’s landmark age attainment comes as a thing of great joy to us, family and friends of the Retired Federal Permanent Secretary, Former Secretary of Petroleum of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Chief Economic Adviser to the President, who is also the Izoma of Asaba”

Pointing out that the sporting engagement through golf is a testament to his blessed life and a celebration of one of Nigeria’s revered economists and dedicated public servants.

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Super Eagles Loss To Ivory Coast Not A Disgrace- Ahmed Toro

Published

8 months ago

February 12, 2024

Maritime First

…As Bauchi fans hail referee Beida for good officiating

Sani Ahmed Toro, former Secretary-General of the Nigeria Football Association (NFA) and ex-member House of Representatives, has commended the Super Eagles’ resilience at the 2023 African Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Ahmed Toro in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in the aftermath of the Super Eagles 1-2 loss to the Elephants, said that the outcome of the match was not a disgrace.

The Super Eagles on Sunday failed to fly past the Elephants at the finals of the AFCON 2023, played at the 34th edition of the game, at Stade Olympique Alassane Ouattara in Abidjan.

Ivorian combative Sebastien Haller, scored the tap in a winning goal to help the hosts 2-1 win over Nigeria.

On-field captain, and Most Valuable Player of the tournament, William Troost-Ekong, with a thumping header as he rose to meet Samuel Chukwueze’s flick-on from a corner, but Franck Kessie equalized just after the hour mark after being left unmarked at the back post from a set piece with another header.

The Ivorians then repeated their comeback strategy as Borussia Dortmund player, Haller, tapped in from Simon Adingra’s cross into the goal.

Ahmed Toro, however, commended the team for their bravery even though most football pundits did not give them a chance.

“The Super Eagles of Nigeria did their best having gone far till the final match. We were not disgraced at the AFCON.

“Some of us expected them to win, but the game did not go our way. The Federal Government of Nigeria has done its part, so also the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to motivate the team.

“In all, it was a good fight from the Super Eagles, because this was against all odds or expectations. For every sports-loving Nigerian, we wanted a victory.

“The Super Eagles deserve our commendation, so I congratulate them,” he said.

Ahmed Toro also said it was time for the Eagles to start thinking about the World Cup qualifications.

“We now have to go back to the drawing board and make sure that we qualify for the World Cup, we should focus on that.

“Going forward, we must make sure that we qualify for the World Cup because AFCON is over now, this is the right time for us to put our house in order,” he said.

In another development, the football fans in Bauchi State have praised referee Dahane Beida, of Mauritania, for good officiating during the Cote d’Ivoire finals win over Nigeria, at the 34th Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Elephants of Côte d’Ivoire beat Nigeria’s Super Eagles to capture the African crown, they came from behind to beat Nigeria 2-1, to win the AFCON 2023 title on Sunday, Feb. 11.

Some football fans in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) at midnight on Monday in Bauchi, lauded the officiating referee for unbiased officiating.

Mr Adamu Imam, a football fan, said the referee was composed and focused while officiating the match.

“The Mauritanian referee has put in his best to see that the game was perfectly coordinated, without much argument and fewer yellow cards issued.

“So, I must commend his professionalism at the 2023 AFCON finals.”

Nasiru Ibrahim, a sports commentator, said the match was neat and was well-officiated by the referee.

“The referee has done well,” he said.

Ibrahim, however, said that the Super Eagles coach made some mistakes.

“It was unexpected, and I am devastated. I am hoping to be able to bear the pain of the loss,” he added.

A sports writer, Jennifer Emmanuel, said the referee knew his job, “as a referee, he was impartial to the two teams”.

“There was no sentiment nor bias in officiating the finals, he deserves commendation,” she said.

According to her, I feel bad but we accept everything in good fate, that’s football for you, Congratulations to Côte d’Ivoire .

“They played like patriots. no matter what happened tonight maximum respect to the super eagles,” Jennifer said with a salute.

Another Sports Enthusiast, Abubakar Waziri, however, noted that while officiating the match, the Mauritanian referee made some mistakes, adding that “it is the beauty of the game”.

“The Super Eagles played more of a defensive game, instead of attacking at the beginning of the match.

“There was much pressure on the defence because our midfield was not well coordinated, this put pressure on the defense,” he said.

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Super Eagles Soar Past S/Africa, Berth In 2023 AFCON final

Published

8 months ago

February 8, 2024

Maritime First

Enugu State Football league begins May 24 – Official

The Super Eagles of Nigeria on Wednesday in Bouake qualified for the final of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), after defeating South Africa in a pulsating semi-final clash.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the match played at the Stade de la Paix, Bouake, was decided on penalties after the game ended 1-1 after 120 minutes of tension-soaked encounter.

The match started on a fast pace, with the South Africans dominating play but was pegged back by the resilient Nigerian defence, Marshalled by Captain William Troost-Ekong.

The cagey first half ended goalless, despite the forays by both teams.

But in the second half, Nigeria took the lead after Victor Osimhen was fouled inside the 18-yard box.

Ekong stepped up to put the Eagles one goal up.

However, late in the game, substitute Alhassan Yusuf gave away a penalty, which Teboho Mokoena tucked away.

The match was eventually decided on penalties, with Nigeria winning 4-2 after a nervy shoot-out.

Substitute Kelechi Iheanacho scored the winning penalty as Nigeria booked their place in the final, sparking a wild celebration in the stadium.

Nigeria will now face the winners of the Cote d’Ivoire vs DR Congo match in Sunday’s final.