Weekly Trust (Kaduna)
Abdul Aodu
8 February 2002
To all Nigerians and Eagles fans, there is only one thing good enough to satiate their hunger for glory, appease their bruised ego and wipe away two years of pains and anguish; the new gold trophy donated by FIFA.
Soccer buffs spoken with believe Super Eagles are good for gold but warned that only Eagles could stop themselves. Though there was general anxiety about the Super Eagles' poor preparation for the Mali journey and the competence of Shuaibu Amodu, the team has ridden the waves and are getting better as the tournament progresses.
The Nigerian side started the Unity Cup lackadaisically against Algeria, held the stubborn Malians to a scoreless draw but came out strongly against recent rivals Liberia, led and inspired by George Weah in a match they showed a glimpse of their true stuff.
Though the Eagles can be credited with a superb and well co-ordinated defence led by Pastor Taribo West and anchored rookie full backs - in their first unity cup, a skillfull and flexible yet strong midfield, they are yet to satisfy fans' hunger for goals with their wasteful attack.
Three goals in four matches are unlike the Eagles. Even in the World Cup the Super Eagles' attack never fared so poor. The Eagles were seven and five goals up in USA '94 and France '98 respectively after four matches.
The Super Eagles must score goals to satisfy their fans and Nigerians' yearnings and aspirations, particularly at this crucial stage of the Mali championship and even in the World Cup where a goal could earn one qualification to the next round. Yet, the problem with the Eagles is mainly their inability to convert their numerous chances.
As was aptly explained by an analyst recently: "maybe the Eagles have lost the scoring formula." Fans can only hope it is found on time when it is still useful to the team. In fact, now is the time to find it.
Manager Amodu Shuaibu and team psychologist must be having a Herculean task of psyching the players up particularly the attackers who are most affected by this delay and 'wasteful' syndrome. All of them have missed one glaring chance or another in the course of this championship.
Moreso as the Eagles would be playing either of two critical foes. Against Mali the Eagles would be playing the players and over 30,000 Malian fans including President Konare, who would all be rooting for their Eagles and boosting the youths' ego, while playing down the Super Eagles morale.
For the team to excel against Mali, apart from improving on their accuracy and planning their set pieces well, Amodu Shuaibu and co. should juggle the attack to make it more effective. He could attack with Aghahowa and Okocha while Kanu plays deep in the midfield with Finidi in the right flank.
The team should hold on to their ball and knock it around so as to rattle the Malians. They should also use Aghahowa and/or Tijani for counter attacks, such can hold onto the ball for another player to come and score.
They should make use of their experience and skill to handle the young players who are brimming with youthfull vigour. A good tactical game that allows space for players while allowing the ball to do the running with accurate passes can frustrate the hosts who would want to run with the ball. With this, the Super Eagles can hold on, to score early goal which would be very vital in the un-nerving game.
Goalkeeper Ike Shorunmu would be a boost to the team. Against Cameroon, Eagles' old 'friends', the Eagles should be wary. since they are not only playing the Lions but the CAF headship also. And such matches have always proved difficult for Eagles to win as was the case in Casablanca 1988 and Lagos two years ago where the men with the whistle became the twelveth Lion on the pitch.
Therefore the Eagles should be ready psychologically to play a hard game under pressure particularly since they would want to revenge the last injustice. They should go for early goal(s),and should hold on to their ball jealously. this is where set pieces ability comes in because the Lions defence is not that smooth and would not want the Eagles to roam with the ball.
The Super Eagles should put their heart to it and play their robust game. Their keeper and defence should watch out for long range shots and set pieces. If the Eagles search and get their goal early they would carry the day since the Lions are known to sit back early in their games only to come out strong later.
Moreso, the Lions have not proved their indomitability in this championship. In addition to their belated performance in the Unity Cup in World Cup years, the Super Eagles might be the team to confirm their domitability.
And they should, so that they can paste smile on the faces of their numerous fans again. Surely Nigerians could sip from this unity cup.
[ACONS]
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