Eagles labour over Ethiopia in a high altitude win.

   The day was 13th October, the stadium was Addis Stadium in Addis Ababa and the game was a Brazil 2014 world cup qualifier. The hard breathing game was played under the very high altitude of Addis Ababa. Pundits had said before the game that attitude and not altitude would win the game. And how right they were proven.
   The game progressed with the Ethiopians dictating play. They were so effective in play that observers predicted a tough time for the Super Eagles whose players were mostly based  outside Africa, playing week in week out in conditions the sharp opposite of what was attainable in Europe. The Nigerian team could boast of experience as only just one home based player, Warri Wolves captain and central defender, Azubuike Egwuekwe made the starting eleven. The Ethiopians ran riot over the Super Eagles midfield as the Nigerians failed to get a grip on the game but with no result to show for it. Salahdin Said kept the Eagles on their toes through out and had a ball cleared off the goal line by Turkey based Godfrey Oboabona and the referee ruled against the goal standing, to the chagrin of Ethiopians. Thirteen minutes into the second half, Samson Asefa caught Vincent Enyeama off guard as his intended cross was allegedly brought out from beyond the goal line and subsequently adjudged a goal. Nigeria's Victor Moses was uncharacteristically out of the game even as he bluffed a one on one situation with the Ethiopian goal keeper. Minutes later he was substituted together with the equally ineffective Oduamadi and Nosa Igiebor came on with Brown Ideye. With Nosa's introduction, Mikel Obi assumed a feeer role as he started pulling the strings with Nosa in central midfield even as the workaholic Onazi Ogenyi gave cover to the back line. Nigeria's game became fluid as they pushed for an equalizer which eventualy came when Emmanuel Emenike drifted in from the left flank and unleashed a right footed shot into the Ethiopian net. As the game progressed, the Eagles kept pushing for the winner. In the final minutes of the game, Emenike was released and he was clearly headed for goal but was dragged down by Abebaw Butako. Emenike took the resultant penalty himself even as he gently slotted home into the bottom left corner for the winner.
   The win sees the Super Eagles as having one leg and three toes in Brazil already but have a job to do in Calabar to cement the spot. Enthusiasts however kept wondering why Keshi opted to start Oduamadi in midfield ahead of the in form Nosa Igiebor. A tactic that clearly backfired. The game changed when Nosa was introduced as his introduction freed up Mikel and awarded him the space to surge forward.
   Emmanuel Emenike, arguably the best striker in Africa presently broke millions of Ethiopian hearts and won millions of Nigerian hearts.  The return leg in Calabar is on paper, expected to be easier for the Champions of Africa.This is mainly because the obvious fatigue caused by the altitude in Ethiopia that probably affected the Eagles' game is expected to be absent. Though it is expected to be a level playing ground, the Super Eagles who triumphed over the Ethiopians due to immense experience and attitude are expected to win again,all things being equal. The water break the Ethiopians took, to the surprise of the Super Eagles will not be necessary. Nosa is expected to make the starting eleven ahead of Oduamadi.
   The Nigerian national team have progressed steadily since Stephen Keshia took over. Nigerian football community have so much confidence in his ability to fashion out a solid team for them and so far, he hasn't failed. Football, is clearly the biggest unifier amongst Nigerians. The success of the national teams bring the citizens together and for the duration of a football match and after, Nigeria is actually one.