Tony Ubani
23 January 2008
Lagos — Eminent Nigerians, administrators and fans who saw Monday's 0-1 loss to Côte d'Ivoire were categorical that the selection by head coach Berti Vogts was faulty."Who is Ayo Makinwa?
What has he ever done in a Nigerian shirt? The same boy played in Egypt two years ago and was a passenger. Why did the coach bring him into such a serious game?"
These and so many questions were being asked Monday night after the Eagles slumped against the Ivorians in the most anticipated match of Group B at the African Nations Cup.
Vogts started Austin Ejide in goal, defenders Apam Onyekachi, Taye Taiwo, Joseph Yobo and Danny Shittu, midfielders Nwankwo Kanu, Mikel Obi and Seyi Olofinjana and forwards Yakubu Aiyegbeni, Obafemi Martins and John Utaka, but few players failed to click and it undermined the game.
Utaka forgot his dashing runs down the right, Aiyegbeni could not find his way into the right position at any time and U-23 star Apam was jittery. It remains a puzzle why Kanu, who got injured in the warm-up before the game, still started, and Olofinjana failed to impose himself on the middle despite size.
Even other notable Africans could not understand the reason behind Nigeria's languid play. Former Ghanaian Minister of Sports, Edward Mensah was livid. "Why were they playing like that? I cannot understand. I came all the way from Accra to see the Super Eagles and I'm not impressed. They lacked the soul and the fighting spirit, and they must wake up if they are not to be eliminated early".
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