‘Ifreke Inyang: 5 things we learnt from Nigeria’s match against Uganda
Enyeama gets his 100th cap
Lille goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama, finally joined a small, exclusive band of Nigerian players, who have won 100 caps for the country. Well, the other person is Joseph Yobo, who has since retired for international football. From every indication, one expects Enyeama to go on and get more appearances. It was indeed a big moment for Enyeama, who made his debut in 2002, to be honoured by his state governor, in front of his hometown people.
Omeruo, Oboabona, Musa taking steps backwards
Let’s not even bother laying into some of the debutants for their lacklustre display today. The ‘veterans’ should have done enough, as the more experienced heads, to act as the spine of the team. Apart from Enyeama, who could do nothing about the goal, the other senior players didn’t turn up. Omeruo looked uncomfortable at the back, Musa added nothing to the attack and Oboabona’s wing was leaky for the goal conceded. Even Onazi lept playing fancy passes, when he should have kept it simple.
The new boys will come good
Anthony Ujah should have definitely scored in the first half. When put through face to to face with the Ugandan goalkeeper, he contrived to miss a good opening. But he did his best on his return to the fold. You cannot fault Odion Ighalo’s endeavour too, although he made selfish choices in the game. Lateefu Akeem endured a horrendous debut, but he did not have enough time to make atonement. Mfon Udoh should have been unleashed earlier too. Leon Balogun was an assured presence, bombing down the right flank.
Is the Akwa Ibom Stadium jinxed?
Well, the Super Eagles can’t seem to get win at the stunning Akwa Ibom Stadium. The last time they played here, they only drew 2-2 with South Africa and that result ensured they did not qualify for this year’s Africa Cup of Nations. I am not one for superstitions and all, but we need to start winning at the magnificent venue, but it becomes a cursed ground.
We must get a result against South Africa
Daniel Amokachi did a decent job of putting together a team from the pool of players available to him. His next task is to switch it around, as the Super Eagles travel to face Bafana Bafana in another friendly. Revenge should be the last motive for the Nigerians. Rather, Amokachi and his crew should concentrated on building a new, vibrant national team – even at the expense of results.
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