Super Eagles will most certainly be the happier of the two teams going into tomorrow’s 2019 AFCON Round of 16 clash against Cameroon because they have enjoyed some favourable calls in matches handled by referee Joshua Bondo from Botswana.
Zambian fans are yet to forgive Bondo for cancelling their team’s goal in a crucial 2018 World Cup qualifier against the Eagles on October 7 in Uyo.
The Chipolopolo scored what television replays later showed to be a good goal in the first half.
Alex Iwobi’s late belter in this keenly fought contest will qualify Nigeria to their sixth World Cup to the relief of millions of Nigerians.
The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) will later protest Bondo’s call, but it was thrown out.
The Eagles also enjoyed some favourable calls when the same Bondo officiated the match in which they beat Libya 3-2 in a 2019 AFCON qualifier in Tunisia.
One of the Eagles goals in that game was widely adjudged to have been scored from an offside position.
That road win further revived Nigeria’s hopes of qualifying for the AFCON after missing out on the last two editions.
Will Bondo again now also favour Nigeria tomorrow in Alexandria at a tournament that has already been marred by match-fixing allegations?
