The yesterday match between South Africa and Nigeria is obviously a testimony to the fulfillment of the South Africa’s promise. Earlier before the match, the coach of Bafana Bafana had promised to do everything possible to frustrate their rivals who will be playing Home. After the completion of the full match, South Africa carried the day with a wonderful 2-0 victory.
Many Nigerians have described the winning as shocking. Many lamented the loss and blamed it on the absence of experienced players like Mikel Obi, Victor Moses and the likes on the pitch. Joseph Eberefe, the Secretary of Akwa Ibom Football Association admitted that it was really frustrating.
“It is disappointing, we did not expect this, it is very frustrating. The absence of regular players like Victor Moses, Mikel Obi and the others were felt on the pitch. These ones have tried but they are not experienced as the usual Eagles players.”
Nigerians, especially football trendstar were disappointed. As a matter of fact, some of them could not hold the annoyance. Speaker of the Akwa Ibom House of Assembly, Onofiok Luke is a good example. When asked about the match, he refused to comment and tried as much as possible to refuse journalists. All he said was “I cannot comment, it is simply no comment from me”.
Speaking on the match, the Deputy Speaker, Akwa Ibom House of Assembly, Uwem Udoma, described the players field for the match as second team of the Super Eagles. He noted that if Nigeria must win matches then the country must invest and field in experienced players. He further blamed the goal keeper for causing the second goal conceived in the match.
“We should always use the best, we should not use our second eleven and expect to win. This is a lesson for Nigeria to do enough to defend well and win its matches. Our goalkeeper is inexperienced, he left the goalpost and caused the second goal.”
Evidently, South Africa has been able to live up to their words. Tokelo Rantie and Percy Tau’s goal in 56th and 83rd minutes have helped in this regards. Rohr was correct, the Bafana Bafana team is a tough knot to crack.
