By Football Radio
The super Eagles of Nigeria will be in action today against the hosts of the AFCON Cote D’ivoire at 6PM.
In weeks leading up to the AFCON, Nigerians on different platforms have voiced out their their reservations/support for the eagles. Some optimistic against all odds and some cautiously optimistic because of the glaring reality on ground surrounding performances, players,injuries e.t.c which might affect their chances to “do it again” after a decade of falling short.
Since the Mourinho recommended gaffer took charge of this team Alot has left to be desired. Looking at the results under peseiro and performances in those matches I am forced to ask how do we intend to do it again?.
We cannot airbrush this reality staring us in the face and lazily rely on blind support hinged on vibes and Insha Allah with a little touch of “God giveth and God taketh” to do the job for us when there are still questions needing answers going into the ivory coast game today;
Where is the element of surprise in this team?
Who is that “x factor” player we can call on from the bench to shake things up?
Osimhen will almost always guarantee you goals but if he doesn’t score, who steps up?
What is Peseiro’s tactics and in game management know how?
It’s good and overall healthy to have hope and pray for the team but is that gonna cut it?
I know Nigerians are one of the most supportive and patriotic people I know but you can’t keep deliberately making absurd decisions that defy logic everytime and when this go south we are told to be “patriotic and pray” for the team to succeed.
When we say Morocco will win the AFCON, it is because of their seriousness and exploits at the word cup.
When we say Senegal might retain the title, look at their team, antecedents and their footballing structure all round.
But what bragging rights do we have as Nigerians aside the Best player on the continent?.
These are pertinent questions but lets all pray and hope we beat ivory coast today even if we cannot point to any reason why we can.
At least we can dream. But the sooner we wake up and smell the coffee and begin to do things right, I don’t think we are prepared to win a fourth AFCON.
