Who dares the Super Eagles? Is it with the presence of rock solid Eguavoen with the big boss himself Stephen Keshi guarding the rear with Ben Iroha marshalling the left side of the eagles’ defence? How about the midfield filled with bags of tricks from Jay Jay himself, supported by Sunday Oliseh who orchestrates proceedings from the centre with his intimidating appearance which is enough to scare off a giant. Who dare withstand the attacking forays of Amokachi who combined effectively with Rashidi Yekini whose barrage of shots can split mount everest into bits? How about the relentless run by Amuneke and Finidi that tear rock solid defenders apart, with the presence of Samson Siasia giving goalkeepers nightmares? What a pity that the rest is now history.
The Super Eagles as Nigeria’s male national side is being referred to, took the world by storm and sending unending shivers down the spines of great soccer playing nations, combining good soccer artistry with excellent results. Their greatest highlight ever, is their yet to be shattered record of a 5th place appearance in the monthly FIFA ranking. Oh! Did I hear someone mention France 98? Yes, the Super Eagles ran the Spanish soccer team ragged with goals at the France 98 world cup, which paraded a star studded team with the likes of Fernando Hierro, Ivan Campo, Francisco Morientes, Miguel Nadal, Raul Gonzanlez and not forgeting then world best goalkeeper, Andöni Zubizarreta.
On the African scene, they swept other teams aside like the tsunami. It is worthy to note that they have won the African nations cup on two occasions, the silver medal four times, not forgetting a bronze medal of seven, with four world cup appearances to crown it all.
The Super Eagles have produced a heartwarming four African footballer of the year till date, and world beaters. Oh! I almost forgot to include that Daniel Amokachi is the first player to score a UEFA Champions league goal. What of the somnmersault boy, Celestine Babayaro who still holds a yet to be broken 15years record as the youngest player ever to play in the UEFA Champions league? In the technical aspect, the Super Eagles have produced world class coaches such as Christian Chukwu, Stephen Keshi, Augustine Eguavoen, Michael Emenalo not forgetting the just unveiled Eagles gaffer, Samson Yebowei Siasia amongst others. These are testimonies of a strong and tactically brave Super Eagles.
They have now become whipping boys to less fancied team like Gabon, Guinea, Angola, Lesotho, Uganda {what a pity!} the golden bronze at the African nations cup seems to become a more celebrated silverware. Did I hear you call them super chicken? How sad!
What is happening to our Super Eagles, who warm the bench of clubs in lebanon, Qatar, Singapore and many other less fancied leagues in the world. Or is that the end of the eagles who were once regarded as UNTOUCHABLE? why are we now moving southward instead of soaring high?
By Oludare Oluwashina Charles
It’s sad to see eagles at their present situation. We have not had such strong team again after US 94. Those days, when eagles play we aused to be sure victory but now reverse is the case.
To me we still have those players that can make us proud, but for corruption. The selection process should be looked into. These days some players are denied their opportunity. Next is government policy. It should be noted that those 94 eagles are still owed by the government.
other soccer known country are still consistent in their dominant, it’s only Nigeria that’s is lagging behind.
Dis now supa eagles play 4 money only . . What about PATRIOTISM . . Dat is why d oda nations will b more dan us
why super eagle become super chiken ?
I think is because politician.
Let see our politician they woul not leave coach to choose who can play very well for him but they woul choose for him then if he reviuse they woul use thier capacity to romeve him as nigeria coach.
May the alimighty Allah don’t leave us in Nigeria.
Because Nigeria is my country.
Nigeria can never spoil never.