The once-dreaded and mighty Super Eagles of Nigeria that was rated fifth on FIFA ranking after an entertaining and memorable display at USA 1994, could miss out on the next World Cup in USA 2026, except something extraordinary happens.
Before the Round 5 of matches the Eagles were placed distant fifth from a six-team table after four matches amassing just 3 points from three draws and one loss.
On match day 5, all eyes were on the new Super Eagles coach,
Over 220 million citizens of Nigeria waited to see how the new chapter of Eric Chelle, the Malian and first non- Nigerian African, would be written, as his appointment was greeted with mixed reactions, while skepticism filled the hearts of the football enthusiasts, but with the usual fasting and prayers hoping other nations will fail while God will come down to help Nigeria, there was great hope.
The coach was bold with his lineup away to Rwanda in Kigali, in what looked like an attacking diamond formation of 4-1-3-2 or 4-4-2.
A sharp departure from the conservative 5-2-3 formation deployed by the previous two coaches.
Nnwabali retained his position in goal, Osayi Samuel as right back, while utility Ola Aina played from left back.
Captain T. Ekong paired with Bassy in the heart of the central defense.
Wilfred Ndidi played as the screen in front of the defense. The other midfield roles were occupied by inverted wingers Simon on the left, Chukwueze on the right while Iwobi roved in the middle. The attack was made up of the last two African Footballers of the Year, Victor Osimhen (2023), and Ademola Lookman (2024).
The system worked well especially in the first half where the Eagles clearly bossed possession and it paid dividends with twogoals from the man-in-form, Volcanic Victor, as the half ended 2-0.
In the second half, the hosts came into the game but the Eagles were able to keep a clean sheet as they were unable to add to the score line.
A couple of substitutions were made, some not too convincing, but the estacy of the first victory dwarfed any form of complaints as the Super Eagles won 2-0.
On Match day 6, after moving up to fourth position, and with other teams not showing any signs of abating, especially South Africa, the next match was supposed to be a “must-win” match
Playing at home in Uyo, the expectant spectators filled the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium singing and cheering the Eagles.
The coach Eric Chelle maintained the same starting 11, yes the saying goes thus;‘you don’t change a winning team’.
However for the sake of predictability, sometimes you change a winning team, the line could have been altered a little.
As it was noticeable from the first match that Samuel Chukwueze was finding it difficult to interprete his new role in the diamond midfield formation, as he often strayed out of the wings and gave away possession time after time, unlike Moses Simon though ball-hugging, but very lively and always carrying what looked like goal threats with his exhilarating runs on the left.
After a goalless first half it was clear that more urgency was needed as time tickled away, while information filtered in that South Africa had taken the lead in the other match.
The technical crew responded with the introduction of Tolu Arokodare for Chukwueze and it yielded fruit with the one-man-riot squad of Osimhen again in the 74th minute broke the dreadlock, he surely wants to be at the World Cup in USA, Canada and Mexico.
As the game drew to an end, fans were left at the edges of their seats and their tongues almost going down their throats with the Warriors from Zimbabwe surging forward with determination in search of an equalizer.
Unfortunately the Eagles coach couldn’t read the lines to ward off the opposition attack.
Towards the end of the match, the game was supposed to be managed. Game management skills or tactics were clearly needed.
Instead one Victor came in for another, Boniface replaced Osimhen in what looked as an erroneous move, Boniface is a very good player but when you needed to protect a lead in a match you were not dominating, you don’t need an additional striker rather you needed those who could mark in the middle or the defense line to help manage the game and keep the three points.
On the dot of 90 minutes disaster struck as the Warriors attacked through the left and sneaked the ball under the Eagles goalkeeper for the equaliser, that was greeted with a graveyard silence….,,
It could have been worse as the Eagles went out in search of a wining goal, but were caught on counter attack, thanks to a last ditch tackle by Osayi Samuel.
The match ended…Nigeria 1-1 Zimbabwe
The Super Eagles need leaders on the field, Osimhen was taking the responsibility in the front, more was demanded from Ndidi and Ekong.
In years past Nigeria produced leaders on the field such as ‘Chairman’ Christian Chukwu, ‘Mathematical’ Segun Odegbami, Muda Lawal, ‘Big Boss’ Keshi, Austin ‘Jay Jay’ Okocha, Uche Okechukwu, Sunday Oliseh, Taribo West, Joseph Yobo, Mikel Obi etc
Senior Players must start taking extra responsibilities.
South Africa – 13 points
Rwanda. – 8 points
Benin. – 8 points
Nigeria. – 7 points
Benin. – 6 points
Zimbabwe. – 4 points
Clearly Nigeria need permutations to now qualify hoping South Africa drop points, while we win all our remaining four matches.
How did we get here?
A country without a quality indigenous league that could serve as a conveyor belt for potential stars to super stars has a long way to go.
NLO, NNL and NPFL all included.
In all sincerity South Africa league produces players for the national team and other African countries, we can’t boast of same. If we must grow, we must grow our leagues.
A league where players cannot effectively battle their foreign counterparts for starting shirts? Not same for Egypt, Tunisia, Algeria and Morocco.
Conclusively, The Federal Government and the NSC have given the team full backing, but we must answer these questions –
* Are the NFF made up of the right personnels?
*What is the plan of the NFF for Nigeria football beyond the Super Eagles?
*Can this administration complete the FIFA Goal project and revive other stadium facilities across the country?
*Can Nigeria engage a world-class grade A or B coach?
*Is Eric Chelle the best choice for Nigeria?
*Are there Nigerian coaches better than Eric Chelle?
* Was the timing for his appointment right?
*In all sincerity can players from the domestic league effectively battle for a first-team shirt with their Foriegn counterparts?
* Can we still qualify???…. I say Yes…..
By Arc ‘Jay Jay’ Oyekale
