USWNT coach speaks on what he expects to get from playing Nigeria

 

I asked USWNT coach Vlatko Andonovski what he expects to take away from playing Nigeria, a team that the USA have never lost to and beat 4-0 just recently 

NFF "saddened" by Falconets travel snafu, promises bonus payments

 

Falconets on arrival in Abuja and received by NFF officials led by General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi

After a grueling travel schedule, Nigeria's under 20 women's national team finally arrived home on Wednesday afternoon and were received at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport, Abuja by an NFF delegation led by General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi, who expressed sadnesss at the travel snafu experienced by the team.

The team spent 24 hours at Istanbul's Ataturk airport sleeping on the floor while waiting for their connecting flight to Nigeria after flight delays saw them miss their original connection

"We just want to let you know that Nigerians appreciated all you did," Sanusi told the players. "But we are saddened that on your way back, you had to sleep at the airport for reasons beyond our control. The arrangement was done by FIFA and you know what happened better than us."

Sanusi also promised the players that the NFF would pay them qualifying bonuses for the tournament 

"We want to assure you that the same time the Super Falcons are going to be paid, you are also going to be paid your bonuses."

Earlier on Wednesday, the federation released a statement explaining the embracing travel situation 

“The NFF did not book the team’s tickets from Costa Rica; FIFA did," Ssanusi said in the statement. "FIFA also did not envisage the hitches that saw the team delayed for more than three hours in Bogota, and another one hour in Panama. By the time the team got to Istanbul, the flight to Abuja had left.

 

“Our officials pleaded for compassionate transit visas so as to take the players and officials to a hotel inside the town, but this was not possible as they were informed that Nigeria had been removed from the list of countries whose citizens were issued visa-on-arrival in Turkey. 

"The airline then took the team to a sleeping area at the airport and gave them tickets to have meals every five hours. This situation has nothing to do with NFF, who had made arrangements to receive the team in Abuja before the complications in travel arrangements.”

 

The federation also explained that the players chose to wash their jerseys by hand on their own, but was quiet as to why they had to buy footwear with borrowed money

 “The players were handed three sets of green jerseys and two sets of white jerseys, several house-wear types and training jerseys. The players opted to wash only their jersey top (no other stuff) because when the first set of body-wear was sent to the laundry people at the hotel, it returned with some FIFA and NFF badges at the front and names at the back peeled by the machine.” 

Dejected Falconets sleep on Turkey airport floor

 

It is rare that a Nigerian national team travels to an international competition and returns sans drama, usually of the embarrassing and disgraceful variety.

And once again, that ugly devil strikes again, with the Under 20 women’s team stuck at the Istanbul airport on a 24 hour layover, sleeping on airport benches, and on the floor of the biting cold airport.

That is just the latest in a litany of troubles the team has faced while competing at the tournament.

Beneath their stirring performance at the 2022 FIFA Under 20 Women’s World Cup, the Falconets weathered and continue to weather head winds that not even adults should have to experience, let alone teenage kids.

Player sources say the team were provided very limited equipment, with just three sets of their green home kit and two sets of the white away kit. This meant the players had to wash their jersey by hand after every game, and were unable to exchange jerseys.

Worse, despite the NFF having an official kit supplier, the young ladies were not supplied official footwear and were asked instead to buy their own footwear.

And so the players - who are only getting paid $50 as daily match allowance and no bonuses - borrowed money to buy Nike sneakers and playing boots.

Worse was to come. 

After their elimination against the Netherlands, the players had barely three hours to sleep before heading off to the airport, expecting to arrive home within a day or two. They were sorely mistaken.

“We’ve been on a trip to Nigeria since 6:30am Monday. We are currently sleeping at the Istanbul Airport awaiting a 6pm Wednesday flight Istanbul time  to Abuja.”

How did that happen?

According to team officials, their tickets were booked for Tuesday evening on Avianca.

But the Colombian flag carrier rebooked the team on Turkish Air leading to a four-hour delay in Colombia. That, coupled with a stop in Panama meant the team missed their Tuesday connection flight.

NFF’s Leader of Delegation Ruth David tried in vain to ask the airline for accommodation, but without transit visas, the pleas accomplished nothing and the team were forced to spend 24 hours at the airport awaiting their connecting flight to Abuja

But their struggles will not end when they arrive in Abuja. The players have been given N40 000 each as local transport allowance.

Meaning that after three days of grueling travel, they would have to travel by road (or train) from Abuja to whatever state their final destination is.

To be a Nigerian. . .

Vengeful Lionesses Tamed and Nigeria's 'La Decima' Quest Continues

It was meant to be a belle party experience but turned out a gritty, feisty feast of stop-starts in, perhaps, the most-anticipated clash of the Morocco 2022 CAF Women's African Cup of Nations.

A well-recycled ball by Gotham FC's Ifeoma Onumonu was plunged into the back of the Cameroonian net with Ange Bawou caught napping on her near side by a perfectly placed header from the blue-haired Rasheedat Ajibade, and that was all she wrote as the champions, Nigeria women's national team continued the defence of the title last won on Ghanaian soil four years ago.

The win takes the Super Falcons into the semis where they will play against a Moroccan side that has earned the right to be tagged a formidable opponent.

Before Monday's semifinal showdown with the host, let's check out some of the talking points from the 1-0 win of Nigeria over the Indomitable Lionesses.

Rasheedat Ajibade, a Contender for the MVP 

This is becoming her tournament, and oh my, she's wearing every game like a well-made dinner dress.

Her goal, from the team's only shot on target on the night, is why Nigeria will play Down Under next year when Australia and New Zealand host the FIFA Women's World Cup.

Called RASH, the Atletico de Madrid player has come through the ranks from the juvenile levels to becoming a mainstay in the best team on the continent. 

Although she's won the WAFCON, a 2018 feat, she's definitely hungry for more and that shows in every game she's played in in Morocco.

The 22-year-old gave a WOTM performance against Cameroon with her tenacious contributions across the forward line, and throughout this competition has been a tricky customer for her markers. 

With three goals and two assists, she's the lead scorer of this tourney alongside Morocco's captain, Ghizlane Chebbak, who has two WOTM awards to her name. Both will face off on Monday and their individual performances will surely be an exciting sub-plot of the battle ahead.

Super Falcons Must Make the Most of Set Plays

Times have changed. Big scorelines have thinned out. Women's football has grown and the days when the Falcons handed out heavy defeats to their opponents are long gone. But the team boasts of quality, grounded players that will always trouble oppositions. They'll always create chances and force teams to commit corners and free kicks in dangerous areas. So, they must readapt to taking advantage of these set pieces.

Aside from the penalty kick goal by Ajibade against Burundi and a Christy Ucheibe hearder off a corner, Nigeria has had a plethora of these opportunities but failed to turn a lot into goals.

Eight goals in four games make for an average of two per game. Not a bad return in these times but can be much better if set plays are harnessed. 

Who Won the Battle of the Midfield?

My post match tag for this game is Battle of the Midfield. And neither Cameroon nor Nigeria won. This rivalry historically dates back to when this championship started in 1991. It has metamorphosed into a tight and conservative contest. This particular one was hard sore, draining and left the players leaving their hearts on the field. Didn't expect less as there were so much at stake.

Cameroon's five-person midfield set-up and three for their West African foes made the encounter not pretty for viewing, had plenty of play disruptions, aerial and ground duels ended in fouls and cautions. No way this game could have produced more than a goal.

Matter of fact, it took a moment of sweet dribbling skill from Ngozi Okobi-Okeoghene, out-of-position precise cross from Onumonu and a well-struck header by Ajibade for both teams to be separated by the odd margin. Other than that, this fixture was destined for a penalty shootout. 

#GoingFor10 Alive and Running

It's been an arduous journey so far for the African champions. They've played Africa's top teams - Ghana and Cote d'Ivore in the qualifiers, South Africa and Cameroon at the tournament. A few bumps here and there but 'La Decima' dream is still hale and hearty.

Nigeria went into Morocco 2022 on the back of a social media campaign #GoingFor10, asking for support as they bid to win a 10th WAFCON crown. 

As the final whistle blew and history repeated, Nigeria sealed a ninth consecutive ticket to the FIFA WWC. At the end of this championship, this might be the sweetest achievement for Nigeria considering the fact that they are Africa's best and have another chance to equalling their best outing at the World Cup - a quarterfinal in 1999 - or do better.

The team's third oldest player in Morocco at 34, Rita Chikwelu, winner of two African titles, couldn't hold back tears with the Nigerian flag on her shoulders after the win against Cameroon. Going to the World Cup next year could be her swan song to wrap up a decorated career that started in 2007. 

Kudos to Cameroon; WC Hope Still Alive

“We will do everything to win this match” was what Cameroon coach, Gabriel Zabo said before the game. And he did have a plan to make that happen - resolute defending, stiffle the Nigerians when in possession and hit them on the transition. 

Led by Estelle Johnson in the defence, the Lionesses limited the Falcons to just one shot on target (proved to be the difference though) and just four corners. Nigeria's frontline personnel were reduced to constantly changing positions due to Cameroon's great man-marking capacity.

The journey back home will be a long, reflective one but this effort in futility doesn't mean they're out of the chase for a world cup ticket. There's a glimmer of hope - a playoff match and a path to the FIFA WWC through the extended playoff process.

REVENGE ONE OF THINGS TO LOOK OUT FOR AS NIGERIA FACE CAMEROON FOR A WORLD CUP PLACE

 

Conquering Africa nine times in twelve attempts comes with both a blessing and a curse. That's the fate of the Super Falcons of Nigeria, the undisputed queens of African women's football. On one hand, they have the ultimate bragging rights and history a lot would kill for, creating a gap in the process that will take decades to reduce or close. On the flip side, it regularly puts a target on their back during African qualifiers and championships, as teams develop their game and prepare to topple them.

Kufre Ekpe provides a few things to look out for as the Super Falcons take on Cameroon in a high stakes game of winner takes World Cup ticket and place in the semifinal

CAMEROON GOING FOR REVENGE

Among the biggest rivalries in African women’s football is Nigeria v Cameroon and this is as far as football rivalries go - rich, intense, exciting, gruelling and physical. 

In 31 years, the Super Falcons and Indomitable Lionesses have met four times in the final of the WAFCON. The Nigerian ladies have dominated the Indomitable Lionesses in all.

Nigeria and Cameroon have met in all editions except for 2002 (paths didn't cross) and 1995 (the Lionesses were walked over).

The last time both sides met was at the 2016 Final in Yaounde, where the Super Falcons denied the Lionesses their first time, and in front of their fans and president, costing them money and national honours.

It is a pain that is yet to go away and what better way for Cameroon to claim their pound of flesh than to deny their rivals the chance of a direct World Cup ticket for the first time.

CAN NIGERIA SHOW BOUNCEBACKABILITY?

In 2018, the Super Falcons lost to South Africa in their opening game, but bounced back to win their next two games and qualify for the semfinal (it was still an eight team tournament at the time).

Their semifinal opponents were, you guessed it, Cameroon. A tough game ended 0-0 and the Super Falcons triumphed 4-2 on penalties and then went on to win the final against South Africa, also on penalties.

Is history about to repeat itself?

The first three games of the Super Falcons have taught us many things about the team. They have rebounded from a below-par, pegged-back performance against Banyana Banyana to play possessive, tactical games against Botswana and Burundi. They were good and dominant in the last two games of the group stage. But will that be enough going head-to-head against an ambitious Cameroon?

And will it be enough to take them all the way to La Decima?

HOW IMPORTANT WILL OKOBI AND PAYNE BE? AND HOW WILL WALDRUM SHAPE UP TACTICALLY

Aside from the first game, midfielder Ngozi Okobi-Okeoghene has featured in others and has proven she's an asset that will a handful for Cameroon.

In a free role, Sweden-based Okobi-Okeoghene was instrumental to Waldrum's tactical deployment against Botswana. Bursting with agility, she was the driving force, providing energy, forward play and control to the team’s play for 64 minutes. In 90 minutes against Burundi, she had the higher number of key passes (5).

The 28-year-old's influence in the midfield underlines her pivotal role as a versatile midfielder. The Eskilstuna United player is a battler, a clear head and a steady presence for the Falcons. Her recovery rate is also impressive. A midfield collaboration with Halimatu Ayinde and Peace Efih will avail the team grit and balance to match Cameroon's physical strength.

Defensively, Michelle Alozie is expected to be back on the right. But it will be fascinating to see what Waldrum decides for the left spot as he's started three different left-wing backs in three games - Ashleigh Plumptre (South Africa), Toni Payne (Botswana) and Nicole Payne (Burundi). Glory Ogbonna has also played there as a sub, for 43 minutes against Burundi.

Though not a natural left back, the overwhelming choice will be Toni Payne. She has established herself as an offensively gifted player and played an advanced role against South Africa. But Waldrum unpredictably played her as a left-wing back in Botswana's game, and she provided something new - pace, drive and quick recovery. These attributes will come in handy against Cameroon.

The centre-back partnership of captain Onome Ebi and Osinachi Ohale has gotten better with the passing of the competition. Both are good passers of the ball, recording excellent passing accuracy so far, specifically in the last two games. Singling out the WOTM against Burundi, Ohale, she's been impressive in her ball distribution, constantly supplying long balls to the forwards. Rasheedat Ajibade benefited tremendously from this against Burundi.

Waldrum reverted to the 4-3-3 formation against Burundi, this time making use of the wings. Nigeria's wing play troubled the Burundesi. Ajibade and Uchenna Kanu exploited their space, outpacing their markers. This is another element of their game strategy that Cameroon should be wary of.

It will be interesting to see how Waldrum will line up against Cameroon but a starting roster of Nnadozie; T. Payne, Ebi, Ohale, Alozie; Ayinde, Efih, Okobi-Okeoghene; Ajibade, Kanu and Onumonu will be very competitive and difficult to best.

Cameroonian Football Federation President, Samuel Etoó has given the team a semi-final target, which makes this fixture a do-or-die battle against the title holders.

THROW BACK TO NIGERIA’S LAST TRIP TO LESOTHO

Christian Obodo in Maseru after supplying the cross for Yakubu Aiyegbeni's game winner against Lesotho

Nigeria arrived in Maseru on Saturday ahead of their 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Lesotho on Sunday.

It has been 13 years since the Super Eagles were last in the southern African country. Not a single Super Eagles player from that era remains in the squad today.

Recently-retired former captain John Mikel Obi, who missed that game (a story for another day), would have been the only player from that time still in the squad if he was still around.

I was one of just two Nigerian journalists in Maseru for that game, which unfortunately, was n to broadcast live. So it was my match report for KickOffNigeria that most people had to rely on for proceedings.

Here is my throwback travelogue and report from that trip and game from 2006. 

This report was originally written for the CyberEagles forum

ARRIVAL

I left Nigeria on Thursday night and arrived Johannesburg about 6am Friday morning. Before leaving Lagos, I was told that the boys would be going by road to Lesotho (pronounced Lesutu). 

On arrival, I rang Idah Peterside and he told me the plans had changed. A first batch of players had left at 6am that morning and a second batch was due to leave by 9:30am. 

As it was already close to 8am, I crossed over from Arrivals to Departures and was lucky enough to catch the second batch. Leading them was Tunde Adelakun, accompanied by Team Co-ordinator Jossy Dombraye (I will return to him later) and Chidi Ngoka, an NFA staff. 

Luckily, I discovered there was a seat available and I quickly bought a ticket. Players on the trip were Emmanuel Okoduwa, Bob Osim, Uche Udeorah and Oguche (no relation to Lobi team mate Andy). 

FLIGHT OF FEAR

Nothing prepared us for the shock we got at the tarmac. We were to fly in a Jetstream 41 aircraft 

It’s the smallest thing I have ever flown in and like I reported here, not an experience I want to repeat. Dombraye was providing entertainment of sorts for the players by clinging to the seat in front of him for dear life. By the time we touched down, there was a general agreement that we take photos in front of the plane, which we did. 

CAMP SPIRIT 

Most of the players were still in bed when we arrived and I only got to see them at lunch. But there was quite obviously a relaxed atmosphere in the camp. 

BTW, I had planned to join the team bus for training. After lunch, I decided to go upstairs to my room as we still had about an hour to go before training. The bus was due to leave by 2:45pm. 

While watching TV, I didn’t know when I dropped off, and by the time I opened my eyes to take a leak, it was 4pm! I had to find my way to the place. . .and it cost me. 

It would take someone who has been in the Eagles camp before, during- and post-Oliseh to understand what I mean here. 

Yobo walked up to the two new boys,, Udeorah and Ogbuke, shook their hands and welcomed them to the family. Kanu did the same, and even took Udeorah under his wing. 

Players were walking into each other’s rooms, staying up late, talking, gisting, laughing and sharing jokes. The camaraderie was unbelievable. For instance, after the game I was in Oruma and Yakubu’s room where Kanu, Oruma, Yakubu, Obodo, Enakarhire, Ogbuke and Udeorah spent hours watching Nigerian home videos and reliving past experiences until 3am in the morning. 

We were joined by others who came and went, like Nwaneri, Okonkwo, Enyeama, Yobo, etc. It was a mini-party of sorts with an i-Pod terminal hitting music like mad, and everyone singing and dancing. Even Samson Siasia joined the party, although he took some time to speak to Obinna about his game and how he should clean up his act. 

MIKEL SITUATION

The one sour angle to all this was the Mikel situation. All the players are very upset with Mikel for not turning up. Almost everyone compared him to Kanu, saying he hadn’t achieved as much as Papilo and yet he was doing big man. 

The general feeling is that Mikel is feeling like a ‘Big Boy’ because he plays for Chelsea, and I suspect he wont get hugs and kisses the next time he shows up in camp. 

I will post the story of the saga later. 

PITCH AND MATCH BALLS

The players got a chance to train on the pitch on Saturday afternoon. 

Let me just talk a bit about the weather. When I got there on Friday, I discovered the game was for 3pm Lesotho time. 

Come 3pm, the whole place was hot as hell and I asked the FA official is they would not have to change the time to maybe 4pm? He said it would be fine by Sunday. 

On Saturday, by 3pm, the place was biting cold. I couldn’t believe it. 

When the boys trained on the pitch, they were aghast. It was rough, bumpy and undulating even though it looked good from a distance. 

After dinner, the discussion was the best way to approach the pitch and the directive from Eguavoen was that they should not stretch themselves too much. Just do enough to make sure the Likuena did not have time on the ball and pressure them high on their side of the field. 

As for the ball, it was horrible. Just a touch (even for a non footballer like me) was enough to know that those match balls would not cut it. Unfortunately, the boys had to live with it. 

By 1pm on Sunday, it was raining cats and dogs. Up until we got to the stadium, it was still pouring. In a way, this helped our boys as it softened the pitch, but it also meant the balls were flying and as they had been instructed to take it easy, it meant chasing lost causes was out of the question. 

Martins tried on one occasion and learnt his lesson. 

MINUTE BY MINUTE REPORT

FIRST HALF 

1’ Kickoff by the hosts. Nigeria in green, playing from right to left. 

4’ Martins chases down what looks like a lost ball, out paces his marker to win the ball. But there is nobody to meet his cutback inside the box. Lesotho clear. 

5’ Oruma hits a shot that is deflected for a corner kick. 

7’ Taye Taiwo misses a right foot clearance in front of the 18-yard box. Sello Muso latches on to it, but Taiwo recovers to block the shot. 

8’ Yakubu is put through by Martins, but he is crowded out by two defenders inside the box. 

10’ A poor defensive header almost lets Martins in, but he wins a corner kick from which Ogbuke’s shot is headed agonisingly over the top by Martins 

14’ Yobo concedes freekick just past the halfway line. Bokang Mothoana hits a ferocious drive which is scrambled to safety by Enyeama as it headed for the bottom right hand corner. Lesotho win their first corner kick after Nigeria’s three. 

19’ BOOKING: Yakubu gets the ball inside the net, but the whistle had already gone for offside and the Middlesbrough striker is booked. 

20’ Mothoana hits another long range drive that Enyeama fists away, as it heads for the top right hand corner. 

23’ Yakubu’s threaded ball splits the defence and Martins is through on goal, but goalkeeper Phasumane Kholuoe is quick off his line and makes a fine save 

25’ Seyi Olofinjana, who has been having a great game, dispossesses one man and finds Martins who forces another good save from the keeper. 

28’ Olofinjana wins the ball—again—inside his half and makes a great run past defenders with ease. But he fails to make the pass and loses the ball on the edge of the 18-yard box. The subsequent counter attack almost proves fatal. Eguavoen is livid! 

34’ Obodo heads at keeper from Abbey cross 

35’ Ogbuke misses from close range from Taiwo’s freekick. 

40’ Obagoal again just heads over as the half peters away. 

SECOND HALF 

46’ Oruma wins freekick on the right hand channel. Taiwo curls it inside the box and is headed in by Yakubu, but the goal is ruled out for a foul on the keeper. 

50’ GOAL! Obodo picks up the ball in the left hand channel, gets in a bit of a mess as Taiwo tries to shoot. But Obodo gets the ball, floats it into the area and Yakubu is on hand to make an easy tap in. 

53’ Yobo almost makes it two from another Taiwo freekick, but heads narrowly wide. 

57’ BOOKING: Bushy Moletsane booked for a challenge on Oruma. 

58’ BOOKING: Abbey promptly joins him after a crunchy challenge from behind on Bokang, who has been Lesotho’s most dangerous player along with Muso. The Nigerian is lucky to escape with only a yellow. 

62’ SUBSTITUTION: Bokang off for Katleho Moleko and Bushy off for Ralekoti Mokhahlane. 

73’ Nwaneri easily disposseses Refiloe Potse—for the umpteenth time, and frustrated fans call for the striker to be substituted. 

74’ Martins breaks through again, but the goalkeeper makes yet another great save. 

75’ SUBSTITUTION: Okoduwa on for Ogbuke 

78’ Oruma’s freekick causes all manner of panic in the Lesotho box. Yakubu’s ball looks to be dribbling in but is cleared off the line! 

80’ Potse makes way for Tefo Maipato to derisive applause from the crowd. 

82’ Fans bay for penalty as ball hits Yobo on the arm. Ref rules it was shoulder 

83’ SUBSTITUTION: Yakubu off for Kanu. 

86’ BOOKING: Langana Nkhethoa booked for poor challenge on Oruma 

88’ SUBSTITUTION: Oruma off for Okonkwo. 

89’ A clearly unfit Kanu gives the ball away for the third time. Muso gets a good shot in but Enyeama has it covered. Five minutes of added time to be played. 

95’ FULL TIME: Crowd unhappy at referee ending the game ‘early’. 

PLAYER RATINGS 

Enyeama 6 

Apart from two long range efforts, one from a freekick, he could have taken a holiday in the Carribeans. 

Abbey 5 

Took out one half of Lesotho’s dangerous duo with what should have been a sending off tackle from behind. Did his primary job of keeping his corner tight. 

Taiwo 6 

Bounded up and down the left flank and gave the Likuena plenty to think about whenever they conceded freekicks. 

Yobo 7 

Commanding in the air, solid in the tackle and quick to close down opponents. Gave nothing away except for that near-miss with hand ball. 

Nwaneri 6 

Started shakily, but grew in confidence and mauled Potse so much that fans called for the striker to be taken off and the player himself must have been relieved to see his name on the board. 

Olofinjana 7 

By far his best game for the Super Eagles so far in recent times. This, despite being outnumbered in the centre of the park. All he needed was a goal, and he almost got one. 

Oruma 7 

Ran the show in the middle, and kept possession well despite getting crowded out by a packed midfield. Involved in most of our attacking moves. 

Obodo 7 

As usual, kept cutting into the middle to help out. Fabulous, quick thinking assist for the goal. 

Ogbuke 5 

Always willing to take on defenders and track back to win the ball back. Unfortunately, he lost the ball too often in trying to take on players. When his moves begin to come off, defenders will be in trouble. 

Martins 7 

Worked hard, worked the channels and had about three half chances that he should have put away. 

Yakubu 8 

Undoubtedly the man of the match. Roughed up the Lesotho defenders, always available to give or receive a through ball and was willing to do his share of defensive duty. 

Okoduwa 5 

Showed committent on his debut and almost forced the keeper into a bad error with his never say die spirit almost immediately after coming in. 

Okonkwo 5 

His first international and he came out selling of roses. Kept it simple with the one-touch passing. All he needs now is a European club. 

Kanu 3 

A poor game by his standards through no fault of his and even Papilo himself knows it. Gave the ball away each time he got it. 

THE NIGERIA SQUAD TO LESOTHO

Goalkeepers: Vincent Enyeama (Bnei Yehuda, Israel), Greg Etafia (Moroka Swallows, South Africa), Dele Aiyenugba (Enyimba, Nigeria) 

Defenders: Joseph Yobo, (Everton, England), Taiye Taiwo, (Olympique Marseille, France), George Abbey (Macclesfield Town, England), Joseph Enakhaire (Bordeaux, France), Obinna Nwaneri (Esperance, Tunisia), Bob Usim (Heartland, Nigeria), Ude Uche (Nasarawa United, Nigeria) 

Midfielders: Wilson Oruma, (Olympique Marseille), Christian Obodo (Udinese, Italy), Mikel Obi (Chelsea, England), Seyi Olofinjana (Wolverhampton Wanderers, England), Kazeem Ayila (Dynamo Kiev, Ukraine), Okardi Blessing (Ocean Boys, Nigeria), Oguchi Uche (Lobi Stars, Nigeria) 

Forwards: Yakubu Aiyegbeni (Middlesborough, England), Nwankwo Kanu (Portsmouth, England), Osaze Odemwingie (Lille, France), Obafemi Martins (Newcastle, England), John Utaka (Stade Rennes, France), Ayodele Makinwa (Lazio, Italy), Emmanuel Okoduwa (Shakhtar Donetsk, Ukraine), Chinedu Ogbuke (Lyn Oslo, Norway).

SAI’D MAKES A STATEMENT, AND GOLDEN EAGLES SHOW SPIRIT, AGAIN

THREE FOR THE WIN! Hattrick hero Ibrahim Sai'd shows how many goals he scored

Hattrick hero Ibrahim Sai’d willl claim the lion share of the plaudits, but it was another gutsy, unyielding team performance that carried Nigeria’s Golden Eaglets over the line as they came from behind to stun Ecuador 3-2 and advance to the 2019 FIFA Under 17 World Cup quarterfinals.

Sai’d pounced on a goalkeeping error from Lopez to open the scoring after just five minutes. That was also how much time it took Ecuador to draw level, Mejia’s shot helped in off goalkeeper Daniel Jinadu’s back.

Mina despatched a dodgy penalty to put Ecuador in front nine minutes into the second half before the Golden Eaglets blitzed the last 10 minutes to claim a stupendous win and book their place in the knockout phase.

We have a few takeaways from the win

GUTS AND GLORY

It has been a wee while since Nigerians have seen a team so determined not to lay down and die.

For the second game in a row, the Eaglets came back from 2-1 down to win. As good as the scoreline was, what was even more remarkable was the spirit they showed.

Whether ahead or behind, the team played with guts and with fire in their bellies. They were simply determined not to lose. Not against Hungary on opening day, not against Ecuador on the night. And both teams looked both tactically and technically superior.

But the Nigerians showed more heart, more spirit and certainly more lungs. Even at the end, they were still swarming all over Ecuador and were it not for poor finishing, they would surely have run up the score.

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ATTACK, ATTACK, ATTACK

Nigerians have been weaned on attacking football. The great Green Eagles team which won the Africa Cup of Nations were loaded with attacking talent and played with expansive verve.

The 1994 team wrote themselves into folklore in much the same way. And the best of Nigeria’s cadet teams - including all previous five Under 17 championship winning teams - all played in much the same way.

This side are not nearly as talented as their predecessors, and there are quite a few holes to be picked in their game, but they do a good job of covering these holes with their unrelenting forward blitz.

The good news is they create a boatload of chances. The bad news is they need barn doors in front of them.

Akinwunmi Amos is a wrecking ball, captain Samson Tijani is a offensive controller and Said just showed how lethal he can be from range. Not to mention Wisdom Ubani and his set piece expertise.

There will be goals with this team, the trouble is. . .

DEFENSIVE WEAKNESSES

There are weaknesses all over the team, and it starts well before the ball gets to defense. Against Ecuador, as in against Hungary, the biggest problem was before the ball got to defense. 

Players, especially in midfield, were in some sort of mad hurry to play balls. And for all of Garba’s emphasis on passing football, sometimes, players’ decision to go alone turned out ill-advised. All of this led to more than their fair share of turnovers. 

But the worst part was the after. Manu Garba needs to drill some basic idea of timing into his players until it becomes muscle memory. The amount of seemingly aimless running and mistimed tackles were simply insane.

It led to goals against Hungary and again against Ecuador.

A more tactically disciplined side would leather these lads if allowed such freedom of the shop.

Hopefully, they plug the holes sooner rather than later.

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