The Mexicans clearly dominated the opening proceedings but always met a very resolute Nigerian defence that refused to succumb to the Mexican onslaught. Nigeria launched an attack and an Awoniyi pass meant for Yahaya was clearly placed by Erick Aguirre into his own net. Mexico kept coming at the Nigerian side but couldn't get the much needed breakthrough. After the restart, Kelechi Iheanacho scored Nigeria's second and during the dying minutes of the game, Muhammed scored a free kick to seal victory for the Golden Eaglets.
In a game and competition that saw Iheanacho deservedly crowned the Most Valuable Player of the tournament and going home with the silver ball, and Dele Alampasu, the goalie carting the Golden gloves, Nigerians were once again given a reason to smile. From the first match the Eaglets played against the Mexicans in the group stage, a game they won 6 - 1, Nigerians were offered glimpse of hope by the artistry and perceived youthfulness in the boys. After their second group match against 3 - 3, hope of a good outing was almost established. Many people noted that the three previous victories Nigeria had at U-17 level were all recorded on Asian soils, and therefore, superstitiously gave this one to the Eaglets. To the superstitious Nigerian, the victory came as no surprise. To the realistic Nigerian, it came as no surprise too. Difference being that the realistic camp saw the zeal and determination to win in the team and expected the gold to land Abuja in a few days. And none of the schools of thought were disappointed. Today, after yesterday's victory, Nigeria is the only country to have won the U-17 World Cup a record four times, scoring twenty six goals in the process.
From the goalkeeper, Dele Alampasu to the last person on the bench, the team was adjudged fantastic by the Nigerian football community. The only scratch observed in their game was the anxiety shown by them at certain times during some matches. In the game against Sweden and also against Uruguay, this was most evident. Moving the ball from the defence to attack was so fast and hurriedly done that sometimes, the midfield were caught looking for the bal and not given the chance to express themselves. But even at those times, Manu Garba was always on hand to calm them down and ask them to relax play, thereby involving the creative and hardworking midfield in the team's general play. When calm, they dictated play and pulled the strings effectively to the delight of spectators.
Once again, sports, and I dare say, football, have proved to be the only factor that bring Nigerians together. It is in such times that ethnicity and religious affiliations are relegated to the background and everyone becomes Nigerian. Even as we are sure that the political class in the country will be looking for ways to include this Golden Eaglets victory into their campaign, the actual football lovers choose to revel in the golden moment, offered us by the Golden Eaglets and ignore the predatory Nigerian politician.
Congratulations, Golden Eaglets. Congratulations, Nigeria. Congratulations, football, for finding a home in Nigeria.
Its goodluck from GEj. Transformation agenda noni!!!
ReplyDeleteGood piece! Very well laid out indeed. And yes I agree that the boys were indeed delightful to watch. I only hope that we see many of them grow through the ranks and become players to be reckoned with.
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