Going into today’s game against Zambia I was confident of a victory for the Super Eagles. The witch that saw the game with me was however darn sure of a draw. Mikel’s penalty loss in the 26th minute of the 1st half didn’t deter my confidence. Truth be told the guys didn’t play as well as they did against Burkina Faso in their first group game. But you know that feeling when Man Utd plays averagely and still get the 3 points. That’s how I felt. Anyway the 1st half ended goalless and I was still confident (I think that should be my word of the day).
The second half kicked off and Nigeria got a goal in the 57th minute when Mikel slid a pass through for Emenike to bury into lower left corner of the Zambian goal post. I was now super sure of victory and expected the Eagles to score more goals. It however didn’t happen as I thought it would and the Chipolopolo of Zambia were awarded a soft penalty which was played and scored by their goaltender Kennedy Mweene in the 85th minute.
I must say the officiating in this tournament has been appalling and shameful. Now we have to start playing the hoping game and hope Burkina Faso beat Zambia or at least pull off a draw and Nigeria beat Ethiopia. Do we always have to hope other results go our way? Why can’t we just get the business done and be comfortable. Be reminded Burkina Faso (with a man down) beat Ethiopia 4-0 just after the 1-1 draw Nigeria played with Zambia.
Burkina Faso sits atop Group C with 4 points, Nigeria and Zambia are joint second with 2 points and Ethiopia with 1 point is bottom. Nigeria will surely qualify but I hope Ike Uche starts the final group game against Ethiopia on Wednesday. My boy Nosa Igiebor didn’t have a good game but I blame that on the general performance of the team.
Al the best to the lads in their next game.
