Maduka Okoye says the Super Eagles showed great fighting spirit despite losing to reigning African champions Algeria in Friday’s international friendly, Completesports.com reports.
The Desert Foxes beat the Eagles 1-0 thanks to a Bensebaini Rami goal in the 6th minute of the game.
Okoye was in action for the Eagles in the game which was his second appearance.
Also Read: 11 Capped Eagles Born In Europe Playing Under Rohr
Also, it was the Sparta Rotterdam shot stopper’s first start in the colours of the three-time African champions.
Reflecting on the game, Okoye said their attention is now focused on their next friendly against Tunisia on Tuesday.
“It was not the result we wanted last night but we showed great fighting spirit in a tough game!” Okoye wrote on his Twitter.
“Now fully focused on the next match on Tuesday.”
By James Agberebi
4 Comments
This boy has huge potential to be the S.E number one. All he needs is maximum exposure to competitive games to boast his confidence. I use this forum to beg Rohr to allow him keep against Tunisia and also competitive games coming up in November. There is no need changing him because his confidence might be affected. Uzoho is too probe to injury hence the need for this guy to be developed to a world-class goal keeper. Big clubs will definitely come for him if he is consistent with the S.E
Our future number 1. Needs more games and exposure.
The Super Eagles of Nigeria will be seeking an outcome against Tunisia on Tuesday 13 October which would delight the fans following their slim 1:0 defeat in the hands of the Desert Foxes of Algeria on Friday.
“Sticking together as a team! Not the results we wanted (against Algeria) but we’ll take the positives from the game last night and keep improving. Better days ahead,” stated Yobo on Instagram.
Funny enough, goalkeeper Maduka Okoye expressed similar sentiments on twitter when he said the result against Algeria wasn’t what the team wanted. He said they are fully focused on the next game.
Now, on the theme touched on by Yobo and Okoye, how can the team get the result they want against Tunisia?
Quite bizarrely, after losing to Algeria on Friday, the friendly against Tunisia on Tuesday seems to me like a 3rd place Afcon match. And as Nigeria never loses 3rd place Afcon playoffs, I have an expectation of victory in this match.
When it comes to Afcons, the last 2 meetings between the North and West African nations have ended in 2 wins for Nigeria while Tunisia last recorded a victory in the semi-finals in 2004.
But this is a friendly match so winning should not be the only factor that will determine a positive outcome. Having said that though, losing 2 games in a row has the potential of denting the morale of the players and fans.
If we say that the Super Eagles are moving in the right direction, losing consecutive friendly matches has the prickling effect of punching a hole into that narrative.
So I think there is a lot riding on the outcome of Tuesday’s match as a direct repercussion of the loss against Algeria.
It’s tight rope to navigate.
On the one hand, you want the friendly match to be a lighthearted affair where new players and formations can be experimented. On the other hand, you do not want to lose game after game in the process.
“Rohr will definitely call for more players, because this is the building process of the team! and I believe they (players) will do better in their next match against Tunisia,” said Ibrahim Galadima, a former Chairman of the Nigeria Football Association.
I think Mr Galadima achieved a sort of balance in his comment: yes, try new plays however, play better than you did against Algeria (and hopefully win the match).
And I believe that they can achieve the result that Yobo and Okoye want.
In the match against Algeria – despite the loss – I saw players who were hungry, patriotic, dedicated, passionate, positive and all of them seemed to me to have the right attitude.
This is good!
Yes some performed better than others whilst certain players may have harmed their future chances with the team (with subpar displays) but it was never for the want of trying.
So, like Yobo said, I too see better days ahead. The players are talented and most of them have the right attitude.
Now it’s all about learning from past mistakes, clicking together as a cohesive unit and being flexible to adapt to their opponents’ tactics on the pitch.
The possibilities for this Super Eagles outfit remain very fascinating indeed.
Honestly,the players are receiving undue criticism. I watched the full match against Algeria and I wasn’t unimpressed by the boys. I would say for certain players like chukwueze, Ekong, Agu & Onuachu who could have really done better based on their potential and form especially Onuachu’s.
Being a friendly, I think the Algerians played a very rough & rugged game. I don’t think eagles players were protected enough. The Algerians were kicking and stamping on our players without due consequences probably because it was a friendly. Not to forget, Kalu got injured after a very rough tackle on him… Chukwueze too was a victim of the Gidigbo football the Algerians played.
This is not to say we have no room for improvement; far from it. However, we have to look at things from this boys perspective. It’s a friendly. Some of them just got back to good form and fitness after a while. There is another friendly to play and also they have to go back to their club sides after the international games. It wasn’t worth breaking their legs and shattering bones like the Algerians chose to do.
I believe we can secure victory against Tunisia. However, certain changes must be made . New players should be introduced to replace players who underperformed vs Algeria such as Chukwueze, Onuachu & Ekong. Probably starting Dessers will be a good idea. As well as Ejuke and Akpoguma with Balogun…honestly Maduka should be retained. Also a balanced midfield trio would help with players being instructed to execute good, quick passes. To Also be good readers of the game & unafraid to tackle just like Ndidi & etebo.The wingers shouldn’t be selfish but play smart and intelligently. If you get pace no mean say you go run all game or if you get tricks no mean say every touch go be tricks. This is how they can be world class; utilizing their various gifts at the right time to aid the team. Also, Shoot. If Most players keet shooting like Iwobi did with that close attempt in the first half vs Algeria, I think goals will definitely be the conclusion. I must commend iwobi’s performance vs Algeria. He played with passion, leadership, & precise passing & movement. I believe he should be an epitome of what the other players should emulate. I just hope the Tunisians don’t play very aggressive and bone damaging football as that can result in long term injuries and career ending scenarios for our players.
All the best Super Eagles.
Kbaba,
Sofun won.