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ACN Like No Other!
By Toyin | January 13, 2010
Angola 2010 took off to a most astonishing start as Mali came back from four goals down to take a point from the hosts. It would go down as one of the most memorable opening matches of any football tournament in the world. Reminiscent of the Golden Eaglets feat against their German opponents in the FIFA under 17 competition in Nigeria two months ago, this encounter had more significance as Africa’s best were on display. The excitement in the stadium was palpable, as the first lady of Angola was not left out of the euphoria as her national team shot into a commanding lead.
I would have wished to find out how she felt at the end when the players crumbled to the determination of the Malians who must have been properly tongue lashed by their Nigerian coach. Such is the magic of football; the unpredictability, spontaneity makes it what it is: the best sport in the world!
Despite this impressive opening, the Angolan government, LOC and CAF must have been thoroughly shocked and embarrassed by the attack on Togo’s national team. It must have been a nightmare to hear that Togo’s officials and players were shot between the borders of Congo and Angola and within the oil rich Cabina region of the former war torn Jonas Savimbi enclave.
Africa, known for so much bad press outdid herself this time around! The rebels looking to score cheap political points made a grave mistake by attacking a contingent that had nothing to do with their agitations. And like all terrorists acts, this also does not make any sense. If they felt so strongly about their demands, they could as well have killed a few of their national team players or better still bomb their president’s palace! The people in authority should condemn this act in the strongest terms.
It’s so unfortunate that a game that has brought so much unity, development, empowerment, progress, advancement, education, well-being etc could be targeted in such a way. Since Friday, I have never ceased to wonder why the rebels in Cabina never bordered to think twice before embarking on this mindless attack. I strongly believe that there is a better way to passing our messages across and it is called DIALOGUE. At the end of the day, people must sit together to iron out differences whether they like it or not.
Despite the fact that this took place in Africa, it must not be used as a yardstick to judge us a people. Violence and mindless killings is not a monopoly of any continent. While it may not have occurred in the same circumstances being discoursed, I remember with sadness the killing of Pablo Escobar in August 1994 after the FIFA World Cup in the US. The killer shot him for scoring an ‘Own Goal’ at the tournament! It was such a shocking event.
My sincere condolence goes to the families of the dead and the Government of Togo. And for the players, your trauma is understandable and I stand in solidarity with you. All said and done, life has no alternative and those who know what this means will always treat it as sacrosanct.
Super Eagles
Our national senior team played her first match yesterday against the Pharaohs of Egypt. Although we have a better head-to-head record against the Egyptians, history was thrown into the dust bin as the Pharaohs came from behind to beat our over hyped stars 3-1 in a highly entertaining match. To think that Mohammed Abo Treka was out injured for the Egyptians says a lot about their level of preparedness for the tournament.
The Super Eagles who started out well in the first half and led through a brilliant goal from Chinedu Obasi fell like a pack of cards to three counter attacks from the Egyptians. Our defensive frailties was exposed time and again by the much more coordinated opponents. With this result and a team of half fit superstars, coach Ahmodu has a tough task ahead in this tournament.
How does he explain the dropping of Femi Olubayo for Chidi Odiah who to all intents and purposes has not played any match for the past six months? I saw a coach that lacks the will and character to make the necessary change to a floundering team. Pray me; why did he allow Yakubu Aiyegbeni to stay on throughout the match when he was not making any meaningful contribution?
I hope the coach took time out to watch the match involving Algeria and Malawi. The lesson of that encounter is that football has changed in Africa and only the serious and determined win on the day. The game is no longer played by names; realities of the day determine who goes home with the prize.
With this in mind, Ahmodu must put his best foot forward against the Squirrels of Benin in the next encounter. Anything short of victory could as well signal the end for Super Eagles in the tournament. If Taye Taiwo is not ready to play, Elderson Echiejile should be first choice and so must it be for all other positions in the team. Competition should be the name of the game and the fittest players must always be first on the list irrespective of their names!
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