Why Eagles crashed in Brazil

Indeed there have been mixed reactions following the team’s ouster as most football fans have not hidden their disappointment in the performance of the team even as some have remained adamant that for qualifying for the second round after 16 years, the team did not fail woefully.Even before the World Cup started, dark clouds hovered […]

Indeed there have been mixed reactions following the team’s ouster as most football fans have not hidden their disappointment in the performance of the team even as some have remained adamant that for qualifying for the second round after 16 years, the team did not fail woefully.
Even before the World Cup started, dark clouds hovered round the team as the inactivity of some of the team’s key players in their respective clubs abroad did not portend good omen for the team. And on their way to Brazil, the Eagles played three international friendly matches whose results did not inspire much confidence in Nigerians. Those who thought the players would gel during the World Cup got disappointed as the Eagles struggled to perform.
After picking four points from three matches to qualify for the second round since 1998, the Eagles lost 0-2 to France and exited the tournament at a time most of their fans thought they would make history by qualifying for the quarter-finals for the first time.
SHOT! therefore takes a look at some of the  reasons that were responsible for the failure of the Super Eagles to soar high enough in Brazil.
Contentious 23 man list – For most people the list of 23 players selected by Coach Keshi to represent Nigeria in Brazil signalled the beginning of the fall of the team. Most football analysts questioned the inclusion and exclusion of certain players. Even as Eagles World Cup is over, Nigerian fans are yet to rest the issue of the exclusions of AFCON 2013 hero Sunday Mba and Nosa Igiebor. For many, it was difficult to understand why Keshi insisted on taking Reuben Gabriel to the World Cup. So for many people the 23 man list accommodated players who had no business being in Brazil.
Faulty tactics and substitutions – Most fans who are vehemently criticising coach Keshi are doing so on the basis of their dissatisfaction with his tactics and substitutions during the World Cup. It is said he failed to match the technical acumen of the coaches he came up against. His critics also have questioned why he preferred unfit Reuben Gabriel to Ramon Azeez when Onazi got injured in the match against France. And why he played Mikel Obi in all the matches is still raising tempers.
Injuries to players- It is an open secret that injuries suffered by Babatunde Michael and Onazi Ogenyi contributed immensely to the fall of the Super Eagles. The two players did a lot to hold the Eagles midfield but the moment they were lost, Mikel’s inadequacies were exposed. As a matter of fact, France had direct access to Eagles defence the moment Onazi was injured and substituted. Before Babatunde and Onazi’s injuries, Eagles had lost dependable defender, Godfrey Oboabana in the first group match against Iran. Elderson Echejiele’s case was even more pathetic as he could not make it to Brazil. His absence was a major setback for the team.
Failure of the ‘big boys’ to perform – Every team has certain players with uncommon qualities to help drive it forward. While a team like Brazil counts on the exceptional talent of Neymar to break down opponents, the Eagles lacked such a creative player. Even players like John Mikel Obi, Victor Moses, Emmanuel Emenike believed to be the strength of the team did not come to the party. While Moses struggled to justify the huge confidence earlier reposed in him, Mikel switched off completely. He is presently the most hated Eagles player.
Wretched bench – When it is said matches are sometimes won from the bench, it does not stop at the technical savvy of the coaches but the availability of quality substitutes. The Super Eagles bench was among the poorest in the World Cup as shown each time there was need for changes to be made. No single Eagle who came on as a substitute did better than the player he substituted.
Appearance fee row – The Nigeria Football Federation did its best to play down the issue of appearance fee as vehemently demanded by the players but it no doubt reared its ugly head and distracted the team. It is an open secret that the players’ demand for 25% of the $8m participation money from FIFA reduced their concentration level. Government had to ferry money to Brazil to placate the players before their second round match against France.
Ban on Nigerian supporters’ club trumpets- Many people may wave this reason aside but it is a known fact that FIFA stopped the Nigerian supporters club members from entering into match venues with their musical instruments especially the trumpets. The Eagles had never hidden their love for the inspiring songs of the supporters club.