24 November 2008
editorial
Lagos — Although England put on display, what can be said to be the best of their form yet in the competition to accept to be held by a Nigeria side that were aggressive for all of 90 minutes, but the fact that they came away with a point can still be put to the profligate leanings of the African side. From the word go, the catalogue of misses on the part of the Nigerians were being recorded. If they were to be considered very guilty of this same offence in their first match against New Zealand, the one against England came at such level and rapidity that makes it difficult for them to be forgiven for it. For this, it should be in fact the Falconets that ought to be saying how lucky they had been.
And as usual, it was the same set of players that so unabashedly let the Kiwis (New Zealand) off on the opening day that were running guilty against the English girls.
Starting out Bukola Saheed by the Nigerian coach, the young starlet found herself out of her depth although there are worst offenders on the side.
The England were having a radiant game, with the likes of Clarke more of tormentor in chief for the Nigerians.
As usual with Nigeria female teams, it was not surprising when on the very few occasions the opposition had attempts at goal, England was a goal up.
However, it is to be said that the number one goalkeeper of the Falconets, Egwuenu, had a good hand in the debacle and she was the one that actually put the tame cross into her own net.
All night it was apparent she would do such a thing. Every cross or long ball sent to her area had either been fumbled by her, or she would completely miss it out as she flew around at them with single hands.
Initially, the goal was credited to her, as an own-goal, until FIFA, later after the match, decided it should be credited to Dowie, who sent the timid cross to the area.
With the two sides level on points, and only separated by a lone goal difference, the last match for each of them will go a long way to decide whether they both qualify, and if they would both do, who would lead the table as the first qualifier.
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