The Super Eagles of Nigeria this evening at the Royal Mafikeng
Stadium in Rustenberg, South Africa, defeated Ethiopian national team
2-0 to qualify for the quarter finals stage in the ongoing Africa Cup of
Nation.
As expected, Nigeria dominated the opening 45 and pressed their adversaries from the very first whistle. However, they continued to lack in the final finishing, despite some great build-up play and their three-man attacking trident.
Ethiopia’s last win in the African Cup of Nations stretched all the back to 1976 and they soon realized that the only way they were going to create a chance to put their side ahead was from their counter-attacking play.
Pace was definitely in favour of the Black Lions and they were utilizing the option of sending looping balls over Nigeria’s slow backline to try leave them exposed, while they also used their pace against their markers to try earn free-kicks around the danger zone.
Through the first 65 minutes of play the Eagles were working intricate passes into the box before unleashing their shots, but they soon realized that their biggest threat came from distance when they struck twice from range.
However, the midfield battle continued to take control of the game and it became evident that the only way a goal was to be scored was if it was handed to them with the permission from the referee.
So it happened, when Victor Moses was brought down in the box and handed a spot-kick with 11 minutes to go. The striker converted it with ease after he sent Sisay Bancha in the wrong direction.
Another penalty was awarded seven minutes later when Bancha brought down Moses in the box and was shown his marching orders.
Unlike his efforts from open play he made no error again and converted the strike in the 89th minute, leaving Ethiopia eliminated and forcing them to look back at the drawing board to see where their efforts went astray.
Meanwhile, for Nigeria their win ensured them a spot in the quarterfinals. It is all good and well having possession, but they will need to use their time now to find a way to utilize their opportunities in a better manner.
Eagles emerged second from their group. following this, they will play Ivory Coast on Sunday.
What is your assessment of performance of the Eagles? Do you see the Eagles going far?
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This eagles is a disappointment
ReplyDeleteIvory coast will beat d eargles
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ReplyDeleteOur strikers are selfish, when they see a well positioned team-mate, instead of passing to him, they will try to score themselves, even when it is impossible to do so.
The Mid-field lacks an enforcer and also is tactically inept. Whenever the mid-field loses a ball, instead of them to start defending from there, they will start rushing back to the Eighteen Yard Box thereby putting so much pressure on the defence.
The defence has to learn how to cope with long looping balls as Ethiopia almost caught them napping with this on a number of occassions, most notably when one of their strikers had a free header which he would have scored, but for the quick reflexes of Austin Enyeama in goal.
Please if the appropriate authorities can read this I advice that Musa should have the gold spray on his hair removed bcos he then can he be at his best. Let Musa carry his natural black hair and see him deliver in match between the Ivorians. Pls don't ignore this message.
ReplyDeleteTHEY HAVE COME OUT FROM FRYING PAN ND ENTRYING FIRE BECOS THEY WILL EAT THEM LIKE CRACKERS. RUTH
ReplyDeleteIvory coast will win this cup
ReplyDeleteI expect many to shout blue murder. But I prayed that we should not qualify for the next round so that I can watch and enjoy the rest of the games. Why do I have to develop hypertension because I am patriotic? We do not need any prayer for Ivory Coast is expected to demolish this rag tagged team some nicknamed Bendel Insurance.May the soul of the late Augustus Aikhomu rest in peace. Football according to him is the last thing that should make us happy in Nigeria, but they keep on destroying it like every other thing.
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