Last February at the Soccer City stadium in Johannesburg, South Africa provided the best scene for Nigerian football as the Super Eagles were crowned kings of African football.
But 18 months after their triumph in South Africa, the story is a different one as the champions of Africa are steeped in a deep struggle to qualify for the next tournament in Morocco. They ended their match with South Africa 0-0 yesterday.
Parading the likes of Austin Ejide, Efe Ambrose, Kenneth Omeruo, Godfrey Oboabona, Elderson Echiejile, Ogenyi Onazi, John Obi Mikel, Nosa Igiebor, Ahmed Musa, Gbolahan Salami and Emmanuel Emenike, Coach Keshi must have thought that his side were going to continue his winning run against the Bafana Bafana.
With the likes of Senzo Meyiwa, Anele Ngcongca, Erick Mathoho, Thulani Hlatshwayo, Thabo Matlaba, Mandla Masango and two-goal hero against Sudan, Sibusiso Vilakazi in his squad, Coach Ephraim ‘Shakes’ Mashaba side, rattled the Eagles for most period of the match but failed to score.
South Africa pegged the Eagles back in their own yard for most of the first half. In the 16th minute, South Africa almost made a breakthrough as Oupa Manyisa caused all sorts of problems but was crowded out by the Nigerian defenders.
With the hosts having the upper-hand, Nigeria attempted to claw their way back into the game as goalkeeper Meyiwa was called into action to deny a corner kick which looked to be drifting in at the far post.
South Africa created their best attacking chances down the left flank but they were guilty of over-elaborating, allowing the Nigerians to walk away with a point.
On 36 minutes, a good chance went begging for Eagles as Nosa Igiebor latched onto a poor headed clearance before setting himself to shoot from the edge of the box. However, he was unable to control his shot, smashing the ball way over the bar.
Two minutes later, Nigeria threatened again down the left flank, but Musa’s cross evaded everyone in the box before flying out for a goal-kick.
Tempers flared in the centre of the pitch as John Obi Mikel and Thabo Matlaba squared up. Both escaped a booking, though, as the referee decided to turn a blind eye.
In the second half, both sides continued to waste chances with the Eagles coming out stronger in the dying minutes.
In the 54th minute, Vilakazi forced a corner after playing the ball off the legs of a Nigerian defender. The ball was cleared only so far as Oupa Manyisa, who fired over from the edge of the box.
Nine minutes from the end of the game, the Eagles went agonisingly close to grabbing the winner as Musa sent a cross into the box from the right flank, but Osaguona’s goal-bound header was cleared off line by Mathoho.
