The Super Eagles of Nigeria recorded a convincing two nil victory over their Madagascan counterparts at the UJ Stadium in Calabar,with Obafemi Martins and Esperance forward Eneramo netting a goal apiece.Interim Coach Austin Eguavoen handed debut performances to youth internationals Stanley Okoro and Ahmed Musa,in an act of continuity.
Obafemi Martins looked very lively in the attack,bursting forward with great pace and linking to open up the defence of a team strugglin to hang on.It wasn’t for long as the weapon of mass destruction was put through behind the defence to shoot past the helpless keeper.The first goal which was scored after the twenty minute mark,came from the edge of the eighteen yard box and from then on it was a confirmed one way traffic.Madagascar were at pains while sitting back under pressure and being unable to initiate a good counter attack.
The second goal came before long,after a brilliant movement from the left wing by Obafemi who cut the ball back within the box for Eneramo to tap in.By the time the second half got off to a start,the domination by the home team continued without surprise.
Goal keeper Vincent Enyeama was on a holiday for the greater part of the game,until the eighty fifth minute when he was called upon to make a save from to the delight of the home crowd.In a group that also includes Guinea and Ethiopia,Nigeria is second at the moment after Guinea on away soil,mauled Ethiopia with a 4-1 win.
Prior to the Super Eagles against Mdagascar,the NFF elections put things in a different perspective.Austin Eguavoen was appointed as a stand in Coach, to later lead the formation of the Olympic Eagles.He is up beat about the chalenge of raising a strong team to represent the country.Now the stage is set for the NFF to lead the desired change in Nigerian football,by appointing a capable tactitian.
Appointing a good coach is not enough,the country needs a process of transformation with credible programmes that can develope football at the grassroot level.Professional clubs in Nigeria should also be made to follow a professional standard in making their teams,managing and marketing them for optimum productivity.
Come October,the Super Eagles of Nigeria will square off with the Syli Nationale of Guinea,in a battle for supremacy billed for Conakry.
