On a good day,
Super Eagles' attack can score as many goals, no doubt about it. One thing that
makes Keshi's boys so dangerous upfront is their precision. You can't hold down the
attack on anyone player.
You can't say
it is the creative skills of Victor Moses or the fighting power of Emmanuel Emenike
or the speed racing Ahmed Musa... Everyone at the attack line has the capability to score goals. Indeed, they have all scored to get to the finals of
the on- going Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2013).
Except for the
most hyped striker, Ikechukwu Uche, who is a little bit out of tune. He hasn't been
able to enact the form he had during the qualification stage of the tournament,
where he scored in almost every game for Nigeria.
There are more
players in Keshi's bench. Perhaps, he is saving the best for the last. If Emenike
couldn't play in the finals, that is, if the injury he sustained at the semi final
game is serious, Ikechukwu Uche may have another opportunity to showcase his striking
prowess.
It's interesting
how the team has evolved with every game. More established Super Eagles players
like Joseph Yobo, Ikechukwu Uche, are giving way to the new and more enterprising
pair of Kenneth Omeruo and Godfrey Oboabona at the central defense. And Lazio Man
marker, Ogenyi Onazi have been drafted to the midfield
to replace Fegor Ogude...
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| Fresh Legs in the Team |
Mikel Obi has
been in his best form as a play maker. He has so organized the midfield, supported the defense
and initiated most of the attacks. His performance so far, I think, should earn him
the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the tournament.
Keshi's Super
Eagles has more than surprised Nigerian fans, they've won the heart of Africa. The
poll conducted by Super Sports on Facebook, ahead of the semi final game, saw Nigeria
score 83% as against Mail 15%, as the favorite team to advance into the finals.
And Super Eagles did it in a grand style.
The stage is
now set for the finals between Nigeria Vs Burkina Faso, and you cannot take it for
granted. Burkina Faso team is so compact and very physical. There may be no space
for Nigerian players to display their enterprising football artistry. Both team
met during the group stage of the tournament and drew one - one. Burkina Faso may
want to drag Nigeria to penalty shoot out, which gave them the edge over Ghana at
the second semi final game.
But Super Eagles
has since turned into another team from the quarter final game. Burkina Faso may
find them a hand full and too difficult to hold down this time around. Nigeria team
is so motivated by their sudden believe in themselves against all odds. The support
of their government and private individuals like Alico Dangote. There's no stopping
them now. Indeed, Super Eagles look good to be the next African football Champion.