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| Shola Ameobi stars For Nigeria |
When
Johannes Bonfere, the Dutch tactician, finished building the men football
team that represented Nigeria at the 1996 Olympic games in Atlanta, Nigeria
Football Association (NFA) and the press were so proud of the squad that they
called it – Dream Team.
Bonfere Jo
was able to blend together the finest of Nigerian legs at that time, into a
formidable team. Name it: Dosun Joseph, Uche Okechukwu, Taribo West, Celestine
Babayaro, Sunday Oliseh, Austin Okocha, Nwankwo Kanu, Victor Ikpeba… Players that
were so skilled and determined to take on the world.
The team
didn’t just win the Olympic gold medal, it defeated the star studded Brazilian
national team at the semi finals and Argentina at the finals. The teamwork,
creative artistry, and shear determination displayed by these Nigerian boys was
phenomenal.
Many years
has gone, but the exploit of Nigeria’s Dream team still remain fresh in our
memories. Perhaps, this was the best team Nigeria has ever assembled. Although,
some older generation fans were of the opinion that Otto Glory’s 1980 Green
Eagles squad was Nigeria’s best team ever. While others argued that Clemence
Westerhof’s 1994 team was better.
Perhaps,
what informed their ranking is the fact that both 1980 and 94 team won African
nations cup. But the 94 squad went on to play in Nigeria’s first FIFA world cup
with such an astonishing performance against Italy. But then, What about
Stephen Keshi’s team that won the 2013 Nations cup?
No doubt,
Keshi’s boys has delivered and nobody can deny that fact. Yet, Nigeria Football
Federation (NFF) seem not too excited about the team’s style of play. It lacked
the dexerity and flair of the 1996 Dream team, the kind of squad most fans long
to see again.
Although,
Keshi has explained that the current team is ‘work in progress,’ that he will
soon evolve a team Nigerians will be proud of. But NFF has ask him to stop
experimenting and start building a formidable team for future engagements. One
question that ponders in the mind of most fans is, ‘Does Nigeria still have
such breed of players like the 1996 squad?’
“ Super Eagles are currently on a good ride. As long as Keshi’s team keep getting results, his selections remain the ideal team at the moment.” - Emmanuel Okoduwa
Well, after
the not too impressive performance at the 2013 Confederations cup in Brazil,
fans are already calling for experienced players like: Shola Ameobi, Victor
Anichebe, Obinna Nsofor, Chinadum Onuoha, Chinadu Obasi, Obafemi Martins, Kalu
Uche, Ikechukwu Uche, Joseph Yobo, Osaze Odenwingie, Onyekachi Apam, Taiye
Taiwo… to return to the team. Some analysts weren’t sure that the present squad
may be able to hold their own at the world stage.
You can
share your own opinion and let us know what you think; which players you feel
should make Nigeria’s Super- Xi: The Ideal Super Eagles team today. What are
the possible adjustment you feel Keshi should make to strengthen the present
squad for future competitions. Share your comments in the box provided below.
