Football Nigeria -- Eagles Etcetera

Every Nigerian loss is followed by clairvoyant reasons dredged up to explain the loss. It isn't one reason but a multiple of reasons that usually come up. This tyranny of explanations can go from the logical to the bizarre. Thus, the explanations that emerged after a 0-2 loss to South Africa in Uyo was expectedly full of reasons. Below I identify them, as many as can be remembered. I examine each one, and then award a grade. Admittedly, my grading of each is subjective but I provide a rational for each grade: Visitors' match balls The players reportedly slammed the Federation for not providing approved match balls for practice and for the game. Instead, the Federation borrowed balls from the visiting South African team. While balls may be different in how they are made, the difference at this level is quite minuscule. If the South Africans had the ball advantage, how about Nigerians having the field advantage? This is simply a tale by the moonlight for which a grade of D...

Nigeria, losing a game under Gernot Rohr, was not unexpected but to do so in a competitive game at home was a shock. The 0-2 loss to South Africa at a venue where Nigeria has repeatedly underwhelmed, now puts Nigeria in danger of missing out in a third consecutive Cup for African Nations (AFCON) finals. The manner of defeat was deflating. Nigeria did not record a shot on goal until the dying minutes, besides two crosses that the South African goalkeeper parried in the first half! Shockingly, the defeat could have been worse with the South Africans hitting the post twice and a third opportunity frittered away widely from barely 14 yards out! Nigeria dominated possession early but could not muster but two opportunities in the opening half. With Nigeria’s array of foreign-based stars it was a surprise to look at the South African list of players to find a team that was largely based at home. Yet, the South Africans with local players outwitted the much-heralded foreign players in Nigeria...

Nigeria's coach Gernot Rohr is facing a different challenge in Nigeria's midfield compared to the wide back, goalkeeping, and striking positions. Copious reports have been written about his constant search for a deserving starter in those three positions but not the midfield. That isn't a surprise. The challenge for Rohr in the mid field is very different. It is not about a search for a deserving starter. Instead, it is about determining who to select from a pool of sudden riches. Further, it is a decision that is fraught with danger to team chemistry and one that can tilt the balance in the team as it stands. Nigeria, once known for producing abundance of defenders and forwards in an earlier era, has suddenly produced several quality mid fielders each with the ability to start for the country. Moreover, the team's current leadership is squarely based in the midfield with both captain Mikel Obi and his deputy, Onazi Ogenyi, occupying starting positions at the base....