Date Published: 01/31/10

Blame Me For Super Eagles’ Super Performance By Hakeem Babalola

The young Black Stars of Ghana defeated the old Super Eagles of Nigeria by a million lone goal in a match the latter had better possession. 

But tarry a little. Hold your breath and never attempt suicide. Don’t even contemplate disbanding our Super Eagles unless Nigeria is not ready to be the first African nation to win the world cup which takes place in South Africa this June. The prophet has spoken. 

And most importantly, don’t blame the Super Eagles. They did their best and, in fact the match against Ghana was their best outings in recent time – as far as this writer is concerned. But fortunately, yes fortunately their best turns out to be some super old chickens for the inspiring young Black Stars.  

When you have attackers who cannot find the net face to face with the goalkeeper; when you have attackers who cannot control ball confidently; when you have attackers who like falling down in front of the goal; when you have attackers who shoot aimlessly; when you have attackers whose passes are inaccurate; when you have attackers who cannot cross or even play corner kick; when you have attackers who keep animosity because the coach doesn’t use them…. 

And if the best attackers you have are Obafemi Martins, Yakubu Aiyegbeni and Nwankwo Kanu, all what you can do is warm the bench and surreptitiously pray for a goalless draw resulting into penalty kicks. Otherwise there’s no way you can defeat a serious opponent.  

So, don’t use your serpent tongue to curse the Super Eagles (alias semi-final specialist) for their super performance against the young Black Stars. You know, football is no more about big name. It is about nurturing the young ones instead of favouring the tired old legs. Until you realise this fact, blame me for everything. Just don’t blame these Super Eagles. You hear? You hear me well well?