Super Eagles must be wary of wounded Carthage Eagles

It is so tempting to pen-lash the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF). However, since we are all savouring the good run of the Super Eagles in Cameroon, I sheath my angry pen for now. At the right time, I will surely vent my anger. Why am I ‘ranting’? Wonder no further. A few hours ago, I […]

It is so tempting to pen-lash the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF). However, since we are all savouring the good run of the Super Eagles in Cameroon, I sheath my angry pen for now. At the right time, I will surely vent my anger.

Why am I ‘ranting’? Wonder no further. A few hours ago, I read the story published by a reputable online platform in which an anonymous member of the NFF Executive Committee was copiously quoted as saying the NFF didn’t sign any contract with Jose Peseiro. According to the board member, if any contract was signed with the Portuguese, he would have been with the Super Eagles in Cameroon.

This is coming at a time that the interim coach of the Super Eagles, Austin Eguavoen, is performing miracles with the team at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations. Already some Nigerians are of the opinion that his interim appointment should be made permanent. This is no doubt another potential headache for the NFF.

Since the federation has read the writing on the wall correctly, those who created the confusion are already plotting a way out of the embarrassing situation. At the appropriate time, I will join other Nigerians to ask the NFF to tell us why they were in haste to announce the Portuguese as coach of the Super Eagles. He who brings an ant infested log home must expect the visit of lizards. NFF should be ready to explain the rationale behind that hasty appointment.

Well, my people have an adage that when it is season for corn, we discuss corn. In a few hours time, the Super Eagles of Nigeria will take to the field against the Carthage Eagles of Tunisia in a must win 2021 AFCON Round of 16 clash.

Instead of discussing a baseless appointment that may not even see the light of day, I will make judicious use of this space to write on what we should expect from the imminent spectacle in Garoua. Although the Carthage Eagles have had a bad tournament so far, nobody should be deceived that it is going to be a dowdy contest tonight.

Those who are dreaming of a stroll in the park contest for the Super Eagles are not entirely wrong. This is because while the three-time African champions are in imperious form in Cameroon where they emerged as the only team that won all three group matches, their opponents only managed to reach the Round of 16 as best losers in Group F.

If the results achieved by the two teams were to be used to determine who progresses to the next stage, the Super Eagles would have been thinking about how to beat their quarter-final opponents. However, that is not an option as the rejuvenated boys of Nigeria must sweat it out on the field against Tunisia.

Victory won’t come on a platter of gold but the Super Eagles have a few advantages over their opponents. For instance, having reached the Round of 16 without dropping a single point, they have a psychological edge over the Tunisians.

Apart from that, it is said a team is as good as its last game. While the Super Eagles taught debutants Guinea Bissau some football lessons in their last Group D match, the Tunisians suffered a humiliating 0-1 loss to the Gambia.

In addition, the Super Eagles have home advantage to use against their opponents. Please don’t get me wrong. It is not the home advantage in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) where the home team wins by hook or crook.

The advantage here is in Super Eagles’ familiarity with the fans, the pitch and weather in Garuoa. As Group winners, they have stayed back to welcome Tunisia who travelled all the way from Limbe for the Round of 16 clash.

Last but by no means the least, the North African team will face the Super Eagles with a depleted side. Reports have it that at least 11 of their key players have tested positive for Coronavirus and won’t be taking part in tonight’s make-or-mar match. Meanwhile, there is no news of such misfortune in the Super Eagles camp. They will be playing at full strength.

In view of the above, the Super Eagles may be tempted to underrate their opponents. But if they suddenly become complacent, they will pay dearly. The Carthage Eagles are down and it is said he who is down fears no fall. They will do everything to shoot down the Super Eagles.

Moreover, who says the Carthage Eagles can’t recover their claws in time to bruise the Super Eagles? This is a knock-out stage and anything can happen. In fact, instances abound of team’s that suffered similar fate with Tunisia but recovered in time to win at major tournaments

Indeed, it will be wicked of the Super Eagles to raise the hope of millions of Nigerians and dash the same at this critical moment. They have no reason to take anything for granted tonight. Even hitherto minnows like Equatorial Guinea, Comoros and Sierra Leone have caused upsets, so the Carthage Eagles who are former African Champions deserve every respect from their opponents.

The Super Eagles will underrate the Carthage Eagles at their own peril. As it is said, heaven helps those who help themselves. The god of soccer is impartial. Any team that wants to win will never play lackadaisical football and expect victory by divine intervention.

A word is enough for the wise. Good luck Super Eagles.