Africa Nations Cup holder, Nigeria, is struggling to keep up status as the continent’s team to beat
With just a point from maximum six points from two matches, the performance of the Super Eagles players in their last two Nations Cup qualifiers – against Congo DR and South Africa – is not giving ex-international, Etim Esin, cause to cheer.
Action during the Super Eagles of Nigeria match against Bafana Bafana of South Africa.
The former Iwuanyanwu Nationale attacking midfielder said the last match against the Bafana Bafana of South Africa in Johannesburg, which ended in a barren draw, has really put the team in a tight situation, especially since Congo DR defeated Sudan 2-0 in the other group match to sit on top of Group A with six points from two matches.
He was, however, quick to say that the current situation in the team is a wake-up call for the players and officials, as there are no longer underdogs in the round leather game.
He said: “I watched with dismay the two matches of the team against Congo DR which it lost 2-3 in Calabar and the one played on Wednesday against South Africa in Johannesburg, and I have come to the conclusion that the team needs to sit up to qualify for the Nations Cup in 2015.
“As defending champion, it is not a good way to start the campaign. The players and officials need to re-strategise, change their focus and work as a team.
“I see good players with individual skills doing things individually and not collectively as a team. They are not making use of the chances that come their way and not playing as a team. They need to really put their acts together, if they want to defend the trophy in Morocco.”
Esin, who was once a superbrat of the national teams, especially during his days as a member of the Flying Eagles team, however, expressed confidence that the team can still qualify for the Nations Cup.
“All things being equal, the team can still qualify for the Nations Cup. It might be tough and rough, but they still stand a chance to qualify.
“All the players and coaches need do is to ensure that they win all their remaining matches, both home and away.
“If Congo DR can defeat us here by 3-2, there is nothing stopping us from beating them 2-0, or the worst 1-0, on their soil.
“Sudan has proved to be the whipping team in the group with two defeats. So we must be able to beat them home and away and ensure that we defeat the Bafana Bafana of South Africa when they come visiting,” he added.
South Africa, now with four points, is lying second in the group behind Congo that defeated Sudan earlier in the day to move to six points. Nigeria is third with one point.
It was an open game, as a confident Bafana Bafana held its own against a rather tentative Eagles team.
Oupa Manyisa had the best chance of the half after Mandla Masango got down the right and crossed. Nigeria’s half-clearance fell to the Orlando Pirates midfielder, who saw his shot blocked.
Nigeria looked dangerous on the counter-attack and threatened to open scoring in the 33rd minute when Ahmed Musa made a deft move, but an excellent sliding tackle from Anele Ngcongca denied him.
Musa’s pace gave Thulani Hlatshwayo a lot of work at right-back, but for all of Nigeria’s attacks, it only managed two shots from range, both off target.
Thabo Matlaba and John Obi Mikel squared up in a heated argument just before half-time, after some great pressing from the Bafana Bafana left-back as the home side ended the half arguably on top.
Ogenyi Onazi had Nigeria’s first shot at goal in the 68th minute after a neat lay from Mikel; but his attempted curler rolled harmlessly wide of Meyiwa’s goal.
Ten minutes from regulation time, Mulomowandau Mathoho came to Bafana’s rescue with a headed goal-line clearance. This preceded the near-post header from Nigeria substitute, Ighodaro Osaguona, off Musa’s right-wing cross.
However, Tokelo Rantie had the best chance of the game in the 84th minute when he used his pace to sprint in behind the Super Eagles’ defence and found himself one-on-one with Austin Ejide; but the goalkeeper made a fine save to keep the score line blank.
