The AFCON 2013 which kicked of in South Africa, started on 19 January. Nigerians have mixed feelings for the super Eagles of Nigeria in the on going African cup of nations in South African. Indeed, many Nigerians are pessimistic about the victory and performances of the Super Eagles because of their past poor performances in Africa and world football competitions in recent times. Super Eagles were seen to be unprepared for the tournament.
To make matters worse for the Super Eagles, the two first group matches played were draws which gave the super Eagles two points only. Nigeria’s foot ball fans were in the state of indecision to give maximum support to the Super Eagles. Their pre-match campaigns were not encouraging to many foot ball fans in the country. There was a question, Nigerians asked: Would Super Eagle, survive in the group stage because of their unstable performance when it comes to such tournament?
Indeed, out of 100% percent predictions, only 20% percent was in favor of the Super Eagles of Nigeria at AFCON 2013 in South Africa. It was difficult to pitch tent with the Super Eagles. But few spirited individuals still believed that some good thing can come out of the group stage.
The hopes of Nigerian fans were hanging on the two points. And calculation ensued on how to prosecute the last group match with Buokina Faso. The Super Eagles were still not given full support by the fans in Nigeria. The two points were still giving Nigerians a serious concern on how to scale through group stage. The last group match was to decide the fate of Super Eagles. Nigerians were sober watching what would be the out come of the match. As luck would have it, the Super Eagles of Nigeria soared over the Bourkina bes. The match ended in favour of the Super Eagles. The winning of that match brought hope to Nigerians and support to the Super Eagles.
As the Super Eagles defeated their last group opponent, they automatically qualified for quarter finals of the tournament. And the opponent to play with was Elephants of Ivory Coast. And history began to unfold itself. In 2008 African cup of Nations played in Ghana, Ivory Coast defeated the Super Eagles with a lone goal scored by the dreaded Didier Drogba. And for some time now Ivory Coast has world class players to play in any competition in the world. On that note, there was fear about the future of the Super Eagles.
The Super Eagles became the David in the Bible without any war experience while the Elephants of Ivory Coast became the Goliat with world class stars. Again, considering the array of stars in the squad of Ivory Coast, Nigerians resorted to God’s intervention. It is worthy to note that the president of senate openly appealed to Nigerians to fast and pray for the Super Eagles. Every concerted citizen was moved to pray for the Super Eagles.
Indeed, Nigerians were united to pray for the Super Eagles, as nobody was ready for another defeat again. Yes, some Nigerians predicted openly, considering the calibre of players in Cote Devore squad, that the Super Eagles will fall. But thanks be to God. As the match started at 4pm Nigerian time, the super Eagles mounted up wings like the real eagles and flew above the elephants. The 2-1 victory of the Super Eagles over the Elephant of Cote Devoire has laid to rest the fear of Didier Drogba. The coach of the Super Eagles, Stephen Keshi can now have a sigh of relief as the victory of Cote Devoire has come to stay.
Today, there is unprecedented celebration across the nations despite the inability of some Nigerians not watching live matches on local stations. Nigerians prayed .by faith and God answered their prayers. This will also bring to fore that Nigerians should come together and pray against corruption fighting development in Nigeria. Super Eagles victory is a victory for all Nigerians who have been living in fear and hopelessness because of the state of the Super Eagles of Nigeria. A new dawn of hope has come for Nigerian football.
Yes, the Super Eagles have qualified for semi finals to meet the Eagles of Mali. Indeed, the two countries’ teams bear Eagles; but Nigerian’s name is Super Eagles. Which means by faith in the semi finals, the super Eagles will defeat the Eagles of Mali. It is time for all Nigerians to pray fervently for the Super Eagles as we all need the Nations Cup trophy to come to Nigeria this year
Indeed, it is time to trust God and do the right thing in Nigeria. God hears prayers. History will not forget Sunday 3 January AFCON match between Nigeria and Cote D’ivoire. The super Eagles need our prayers to lift the cup to Nigeria. Hope has, come alive and as Nigerians, there is need to maintain the tempo for the Super Eagles of Nigeria. From today they are no longer to be tagged super chickens but Super Eagles. Pray for the Super Eagles. ####
Frank Eneawaji Ogwuonuonu
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