To an accomplished soldier, there are no small battles. Such is the rivalry between Nigeria and Ghana that even a novelty match-up between former internationals of both countries will still generate keen interest with no one wanting to lose.
How much more a crucial African Nations Championship (CHAN) qualifier which was coming weeks after Ghana failed to qualify for the next AFCON tournament? The stakes were high, even higher than ever but the Eagles delivered in a spectacular fashion, lashing the fallen Gallaxies 3-1.
I was one of about 8,000 people inside the Nest of Champions, Uyo for the game and I drew these five lessons from that conquest.
1. League’s early resumption propels CHAN Eagles again
The CHAN Eagles earned qualification for the first time in six years but one key contributory factor to this might have gone unnoticed. The league starting months before these games helped to put the players in competitive shape.
If we were to bank on the preparation which saw the CHAN Eagles playing against Jeun-Jeun teams, we stood no chance against Ghana but every player on parade for Nigeria had played at least ten competitive games for their clubs this season, a luxury that Salisu Yusuf (2022) and Imama Amapakabo (2019) did not have. Credit to the league board for ensuring the timely start to the season on this.
2. Ogunmodede and Ilechukwu can take their flowers
When Remo Stars coach Daniel Ogunmodede and his Rangers counterpart Fidelis Ilechukwu were named as assistants to Augustine Eguavoen in August, it was obvious two of the best in the league had been picked. That has been confirmed with how well the duo have managed this team.
I have somehow nicknamed the CHAN Eagles as the Orphan Eagles because they are the most neglected and maligned national team in the country. In the face of NO motivation and inadequate preparation, they have saved the league from ignominy and the manner with which Ogunmodede answered tactical questions during this assignment was enough to show these guys have it!
3. Junior Nduka, Saviour Isaac – the NPFL hope
As an avid follower of the league who has bemoaned the ‘brain drain’ in the NPFL in recent years, it was refreshing to see some captivating talents on display against the Black Galaxies over two legs. On Saturday, while Papa Daniel certainly thrilled the fans with his imperious midfield play, team captain Junior Nduka and Saviour Isaac were my picks for different reasons.
Nduka’s attributes are not unknown and bringing it to play on such a big occasion was good to see. His coordination, ball usage and defensive interventions were worthy of a main Super Eagles candidate while for Isaac, his interpretation and application of the left midfield role he was paraded was a beauty to behold and showed why Ogunmodede hailed him as a ‘smart and intelligent’ footballer. Certainly, all hope is not lost on playing quality in the league.
4. Henry Ozoemena Ani continues Enyimba’s goalkeeping tradition
Ever since the club gave Nigerians Vincent Enyeama in 2002, Enyimba have not stopped producing goalkeepers for the senior national team. From Dele Aiyenugba down to Ikechukwu Ezenwa, John Noble and Olorunleke Ojo, the latter’s successor at the club Ani has now carried on with the tradition.
Ani has been in great form for Enyimba this season and was solid for the CHAN Eagles in both games against Ghana, making a terrific goal-line save to deny Razak Simpon. 2-1 at that point could have made the game a lot trickier than it was in the end. Barring injuries, an Enyimba goalkeeper may just be heading to a major competition for Nigeria for the umpteenth time.
5. This attack is not sharp enough for CHAN
One major song by NPFL coaches this season has been the dearth of quality attackers in the league. That seemed evident in spite of the three-goal showing, afterall the goals were scored by defenders and a midfielder.
Kudos to the technical crew for finding a solution to that with the Saviour Isaac left midfield role but it is pertinent to note that to flourish at a major tournament, natural attackers will be needed. The only natural winger on show Sadiq Adamu Abubakar showed flashes but can be better with the end products while the centre forward Sikiru Alimi was clearly not the devastation poacher of five years ago. A solution must be found.
Bonus: The 352 debacle – was it a mere coincidence that Ghana scored their only goal the moment the coaching crew switched to a back 3 and could have scored more?
Did you watch the game? What are your thoughts?
