Last February at the Soccer City stadium in Johannesburg, South Africa
provided the best scene for Nigerian football as the Super Eagles were
crowned kings of African football.
But 18 months after their triumph in South Africa, the story is a
different one as the champions of Africa are steeped in a deep
struggle to qualify for the next tournament in Morocco. They ended
their match with South Africa 0-0 yesterday.
Nigeria's midfielder Mikel Obi (C) clashes with South Africa's
defender Thabo Matlaba (R) during the 2015 African Cup of Nations
qualifying football match between South Africa and Nigeria on
September 10, 2014 in Cape Town, South Africa. AFP PHOTO
Parading the likes of Austin Ejide, Efe Ambrose, Kenneth Omeruo,
Godfrey Oboabona, Elderson Echiejile, Ogenyi Onazi, John Obi Mikel,
Nosa Igiebor, Ahmed Musa, Gbolahan Salami and Emmanuel Emenike, Coach
Keshi must have thought that his side were going to continue his
winning run against the Bafana Bafana.
With the likes of Senzo Meyiwa, Anele Ngcongca, Erick Mathoho,
Thulani Hlatshwayo, Thabo Matlaba, Mandla Masango and two-goal hero
against Sudan, Sibusiso Vilakazi in his squad, Coach Ephraim 'Shakes'
Mashaba side, rattled the Eagles for most period of the match but
failed to score.
South Africa pegged the Eagles back in their own yard for most of the
first half. In the 16th minute, South Africa almost made a
breakthrough as Oupa Manyisa caused all sorts of problems but was
crowded out by the Nigerian defenders.
With the hosts having the upper-hand, Nigeria attempted to claw their
way back into the game as goalkeeper Meyiwa was called into action to
deny a corner kick which looked to be drifting in at the far post.
South Africa created their best attacking chances down the left flank
but they were guilty of over-elaborating, allowing the Nigerians to
walk away with a point.
On 36 minutes, a good chance went begging for Eagles as Nosa Igiebor
latched onto a poor headed clearance before setting himself to shoot
from the edge of the box. However, he was unable to control his shot,
smashing the ball way over the bar.
Two minutes later, Nigeria threatened again down the left flank, but
Musa's cross evaded everyone in the box before flying out for a
goal-kick.
Tempers flared in the centre of the pitch as John Obi Mikel and Thabo
Matlaba squared up. Both escaped a booking, though, as the referee
decided to turn a blind eye.
In the second half, both sides continued to waste chances with the
Eagles coming out stronger in the dying minutes.
In the 54th minute, Vilakazi forced a corner after playing the ball
off the legs of a Nigerian defender. The ball was cleared only so far
as Oupa Manyisa, who fired over from the edge of the box.
Nine minutes from the end of the game, the Eagles went agonisingly
close to grabbing the winner as Musa sent a cross into the box from
the right flank, but Osaguona's goal-bound header was cleared off line
by Mathoho.
Vanguard
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