Super Eagles, The Disgrace Of Africa

Was it a mistake that the Super Eagles of Nigeria weren’t the country that went into the Qatar World Cup as opposed to Ghana to represent the whole Africa? Or was it a favor and a gift given Nigerians and Africa by the Blackstars of Ghana by ensuring the Super Eagles were eliminated in the qualifiers?

Well, if the latter is the case, then Arsenal’s Thomas Partey may be an unsung hero who may have just saved the life of an unknown Nigerian from heartache going into a World Cup they aren’t fit for.

For that is what the friendly against European side, Portugal showed to millions of Nigerians and the entire African continent. This Super Eagles side managed by Portuguese manager, Jose Peseiro is a shamble not fit to take on any big side in the tournament let alone rub shoulders with the big guns.

The 4-0 score line was just about the story anyone could have guessed of the performance in the game that any African side going into the world cup would be embarrassed of.

The team showed no zeal, no fight to put a worthy performance against a Portugal that had very much all to lose going into the world cup against Ghana.

For anyone who wasn’t aware which was going into the tournament, they would be mistaken to believe it was the Super Eagles instead judging by how relaxed and safe the team tried to play within the game against a side who should be the ones playing safe going into Qatar.

The friendly fixture saw Manchester United’s number 8, Bruno Fernandes net a first-half brace and a second-half goal apiece from Goncalo Ramos and Joao Mario enough to give Portugal the victory they needed over Jose Peseiro’s side, not like they needed it though despite being a gift from their countryman.

If there’s anything to go by, it’s that the Super Eagles players were eager to see the game end sooner to start swapping shirts with their opponents than gain any result from it, with Nigeria Captain, Troost Ekong being the first to approach Portugal before the final whistle for a match worn shirt.

It goes to show how embarrassing the team were, and how Jose Peseiro was happy enough to watch his players get defeated by a 4-0 margin and still swap shirts while the cameras were still rolling. Country first before anything it appears.

On Twitter, Nigerians reacted to the news in a variety of ways. Some expressed grief over the decision and thanked God that the Super Eagles did not earn a spot in Qatar for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, while others lambasted Emmanuel Dennis for his performance against Portugal.

More singled out Bright Osayi-Samuel and Samuel Chukwueze as the only players that excelled against Portugal, while still others demanded the dismissal of Super Eagles coach Jose Peseiro.

Here are some reactions from Nigerians gathered from Twitter in reference to the Super Eagles taking on Portugal:

@IfeoluwaIsaac2, “Bruno Fernandes has forgotten most, or his fans are Nigerians… He’s singlehandedly tearing our National team apart.”

@dezfootie, “Only positive for Nigeria in this 4-0 loss to Portugal is debutant Bright Osayi-Samuel. Faced with the daunting task of silencing PSG’s Nuno Mendes & he did so in brilliant fashion. Conceding & later winning a penalty.”

@Regular_NiceGuy, “The sad thing about the Portugal vs Nigeria match is that Nigerians don’t even have light to watch the match.”

@PoojaMedia, “Are “most” Super Eagles players overrated? Because why are we playing like this?”

@sportingshina, “Peseiro is one of Pinnick’s legacies. The earlier we fire him now, the better for the Super Eagles. Man is tactically inept. Imagine it is Brazil, the super eagles are playing tonight.”

@zaMusbeyNe_, “Nigeria will not win anything with this squad. We need to stop calling unserious players to play for the Super Eagles.”

@NurudeenObalola, “Disgraceful performance by the Super Eagles vs Portugal. Only Osayi-Samuel & Chukwueze can hold their heads high. I don’t even understand where Dennis got his arrogance from. Fought everyone off, only to take a rubbish penalty. Time to enjoy the World Cup without these guys.”