Pharaohs of Egypt halt Nigeria's AFCON comeback parade.

   At the Borg El Arab stadium in Alexandria, the Pharaohs of Egypt ended Nigeria's hope of making an AFCON comeback. A lot of Nigerians can still replay the moments that led to that evil goal. From the Mohammed Sallah corner kick, to the scuffle in the box, and the eventual goal by Ramadan Sobhy, Nigerian hearts shattered into a million pieces.

   The back to back AFCON qualifier did not come without the normal drama that has since time Imo River been Nigerian football. From Oliseh's face off with almost everybody to the Glass House Abuja's eternal issues. Nigerians looked on while the drama lasted. Eventually, Oliseh left the kitchen because the heat was too much and NFF hired Samson Siasia on a temporary basis. The first leg in Kaduna ended one goal apiece in a game that saw wasted chances amidst no chance created. Irony abi? Yes. Oghenekero Etebo put Nigeria ahead. Carelessness in defence freed up the back line for Mohammed Sallah to level affairs. From that moment, realistic Nigerians knew the next AFCON would hold without Nigeria. Even the Nigerian with the biggest faith knew we had to walk on water, literally, to make the games.
   In Alexandria, Siasia's decision to field Shehu and Amuzie in the full back positions and also leave out the very impressive Moses Simon made many to speak in unknown tongues. What Sallah did to Amuzie is better imagined than seen as the Nigerian full back had a bad day in the office. Daniel Akpeyi performed credibly in goal while new captain Mikel Obi shone in the heart of midfield. He was particularly impressive. Creating acres of space for his operations and pinging passes across the field. Victor Moses was the ginger of the side. He made no back pass. Whenever he took hold of the ball, his moves were towards goal. In the dying minutes he was unlucky to see his effort come off the upright.
Both teams gave their all. Egypt is a worthy qualifier though. After the game, some of us could not continue with Tinsel as instead of Chuks Obi, we saw Mohammed Sallah and Mohammed ElNeny in place of Soji Bankole. Yes, that bad.
   It was not a bad game entirely for Nigeria. For the first time in almost one year, I saw a Nigerian team that wanted to play. One that rallied fine and gave their best. Whoever NFF will hire permanently should start whatever experiment he may want to perform with the team that played yeaterday.
   As usual, I lay the blame for our ouster at the doors of the Glass House. The NFF is a house that has never been in order. If the head is sick what do we expect from the body? Any day the NFF get its act right, Nigerian football will excel.

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