Nigeria.
In 2006, Nigeria defeated Ghana, Senegal and Zimbabwe to emerge group winners at that year’s African Cup of Nations in Egypt. It’s 16 years since then, and the same man is in charge, armoured with experience and armed with an array of talents, that’s probably the best Nigeria has had in decades.
Just two weeks ago, virtually every Nigerian had lost hope on the Super Eagles, no thanks to shoddy preparations, a coaching debacle and the withdrawal of some of the squad’s finest players. That has so far been a blessing in disguise as the pressure on the team was uncharacteristically reduced relative to the buzz that follows a Nigerian team.
The Super Eagles laid a marker against Egypt in the group opener, and could have scored more than a goal as they ran the Egyptians ragged. Nantes FC attacker, Moses Simon was a thorn in the flesh of the Egyptians, as he effortlessly and continuously parted a sea of red-donning defenders at will. If his industry was exceptional, then Iheanacho’s winning strike was downright spectacular. That win proved enough to have Nigerians supporting the team again. It was the kind of faultless display they’d long missed and the Nigerian team didn’t take their feet off the gas when they faced Sudan.
After defeating Sudan 3-1 and having a foothold on qualification, it was time to give others a chance against Guinea Bissau. What has been a quick reality under Eguavoen is the readiness of everyone to play when called upon. Against the Guineans, the fringe players got their opportunities for a bow, as the coach made eight changes to the team that defeated Sudan. A drab first half performance came to life in the second when attacker Sadiq Umar, maligned by the local fan base for long spells in the game, got his first goal for the Super Eagles. That however didn’t deter the bench from substituting him for Peter Olayinka, another player participating in his first AFCON.
Prior to the tournament, William Troost Ekong, the team’s stand-in captain had gotten a lot of kicks for his poor form at Watford but he has hardly taken a foot wrong at the competition after three games. His performances have been solid and he won the man-of-the-match against Guinea Bissau and got a goal to his name.
Football is transient and things change so fast in the game. Nigeria, hardly considered to give a push at the tournament is now the competition’s most-feared team by a distance.
After making an impressive clean sweep at the group stage, the round of 16 is next and will come with an entirely different challenge. While Nigeria is maintaining their base in Garoua, as a reward for leading the group, there’s nowhere to hide again. Expectations are rising, and so should be the level of quality of play.
In group D’s other game, the Pharaohs defeated Sudan 1-0 in their final group match to secure qualification with six points. They join Nigeria as the two automatic winners of the group with their opponents soon to be known.