This year's CHAN tournament has so far lived up to its billing in terms of glamour, competitiveness, standard of play, and of course, ...
This year's CHAN tournament has so far lived up to its billing in terms of glamour, competitiveness, standard of play, and of course, goals.
Nigeria went to the tournament with presumably her best local talents and under the tutelage of Coach Stephen Keshi, and his gang. The Nigerian side started on a wrong footing, losing surprisingly to Mali by one goal-to two, in their opening game.
The Eagles were less impressive, and had some dodgy moments in the defence. Notably, the second goal for Mali- the right-full back was no-where-to-be-found; and when the goal keeper was called-up to save the situation, he was beaten at his near post.
In their second game against the Mambas of Mozambique, however, the Eagles put up a much more better performance, particularly in the second half of the game.
They enthused confidence, showed more hunger to win, and also played with relative flair (something that have been missing in the senior team). They also took their chances well, and scored some fine goals as well. In the end, Nigeria claimed her first three points of the tournament, much to the relieve of the coaching crew, the NFF, and Nigerians, in general.
They enthused confidence, showed more hunger to win, and also played with relative flair (something that have been missing in the senior team). They also took their chances well, and scored some fine goals as well. In the end, Nigeria claimed her first three points of the tournament, much to the relieve of the coaching crew, the NFF, and Nigerians, in general.
For me, two players stand out in that second game, and they are (Man of the Match) Uzoenyi Ejike, and of course, Rabiu Alli (for scoring a brace). So far, the Nigerian goal keeper, Chigozie Agbim has been the weak link in the team. He has single-handedly gifted our opponents three avoidable goals-one against Mali, and two against Mozambique. The coaching crew should either wake him up or drop him to the bench, if there is a suitable replacement.
Also, worthy of mention in the tournament so far, is the dodgy officiating. The Referees and their assistants have gotten some of their decisions horribly wrong. They denied the Malians a penalty against the South Africans; while, in the same game, creating one for the host. Nigeria was also gifted a penalty against Mozambique. Those on-charge of refereeing should please step-in. The world would like to see better officiating as the tournament progresses.
But on all, SO FAR, SO GOOD.