International Football
JAY JAY OKOCHA’S NEPHEW, IWOBI TAKES NIGERIA TO RUSSIA 2018
BY KUNLE SOLAJA.
Nigeria on Saturday became the first African team to qualify for the Russia 2018 World Cup after an energy sapping 1-0 defeat of brave Zambian side that put up stiff resistance.
Before a capacity crowd at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo, millions of Nigerian football followers have Alexander Iwobi, the 21 year old nephew of Austin Jay Jay Okocha to thank.
He came off the bench midway the second half and instantly made impact as blasted home the clincher in the 73rd minute after an interchange of passes from Victor Moses and Abdullahi Shehu.
Incidentally, he scored the opening goal in the 2-1 win that the Super Eagles had recorded a year ago against Zambia in Ndola. Game appeared going even with both sides until Iwobi came in to replace Simon Moses.
Before then, the Super Eagles had been put on edge as chances after chances were being lost owing to anxiety and the tension created by the high stakes. The fluidity that had characterised previous encounters with Algeria and Cameroon were glaringly absent as the Zambians punctuated virtually every tricky interchange of passes.
Point man, Odion Igalo did not really get the spaces he deserved to optimise his game as he was often crowded by the rampaging Zambians.
The adventurous postures of the Zambians also added to the frustration that enveloped the arena. Coach Gernot Rohr had begun with the same line-up against Cameroon.
Nigeria scales through having attained an unassailable 13 points even with a match to go with bottom stuck Algeria which has lost every match apart from the opening day duel with Cameroon which ended 1-1.
The Super Eagles are six clear points ahead of second placed Zambia while Cameroon which also beat Algeria 2-0 occupies the third position on six points, just one behind Zambia’s.
Nigeria’s next match will be next month against Algeria in North Africa – a match which is just to fulfil the fixtures. Zambia will be hosting Cameroon in an inconsequential encounter in Lusaka.
In qualifying on Saturday, Nigeria became the first African side to do so.
The African Group B from where Nigeria qualified was seen by many as the toughest group.
But Nigeria was dominant, remaining unbeaten throughout and only dropping points thanks to a Cameroonian penalty on the road in Yaoundé.
The 4-0 win a few days earlier against the reigning African champions was a particular highlight. In beating Zambia on Saturday, Nigeria have extended their unbeaten streak in the World Cup to 34 matches.
Nigeria’s Super Eagles put up a spirited performance but were edged 2-1 by Portugal in an international friendly at the Estádio Dr. Magalhães Pessoa in Leiria on Wednesday night.
The match served as Portugal’s final tune-up ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America and offered the Nigerians a chance to test themselves against one of Europe’s leading sides led by veteran captain Cristiano Ronaldo.
Portugal drew first blood in the 23rd minute when Pedro Neto broke the deadlock, firing past Nigerian goalkeeper Maduka Okoye after a lively opening period in which both teams created opportunities.
The Super Eagles responded positively and were rewarded eight minutes before halftime when striker Akor Adams found the equaliser. The goal capped an impressive Nigerian fightback and ensured the teams went into the break level at 1-1.
Ronaldo, making a rare appearance against Nigeria, started the match and remained on the pitch until the 67th minute. The 41-year-old was given a standing ovation by the home crowd when he was replaced by Gonçalo Ramos.
Portugal made several changes after the interval as coach Roberto Martinez rotated his squad in preparation for the World Cup. Despite the substitutions, the hosts continued to press for a winner.
Their persistence paid off in the 75th minute when Francisco Conceição struck the decisive goal, restoring Portugal’s lead and ultimately securing victory for the European side.
Nigeria battled to find another equaliser in the closing stages but Portugal’s defence held firm to preserve the 2-1 result.
The defeat means Portugal have now won both meetings between the two countries. Their first encounter came in Lisbon in November 2022, when the Portuguese recorded a convincing 4-0 victory in a pre-World Cup friendly.
While the result will disappoint Nigerian supporters, the Super Eagles can take encouragement from their resilient display against one of the teams widely tipped to make a strong impact at the World Cup. Akor Adams’ goal and Nigeria’s competitive showing against a star-studded Portuguese side provided positive signs as the team continues its rebuilding process under the national team set-up.
For Portugal, the victory provides a confidence boost as they head to North America, where they hope their talented midfield and experienced squad can propel them to a successful World Cup campaign.
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Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo will be in the starting line-up when the Selecao take on Nigeria in an international friendly match which kicks off in a few minutes tonight.
The 41-year-old forward, who remains a key figure in the Portuguese national team, has been named among the starters as Portugal continue preparations for upcoming competitive fixtures.
Ronaldo’s inclusion is expected to add further excitement to the encounter, with Nigerian fans eager to see one of football’s greatest players in action against the Super Eagles.
The match offers Nigeria another opportunity to test themselves against top European opposition, while Portugal will look to sharpen their squad ahead of future international assignments.
Kick-off is scheduled for later tonight, with both teams expected to field strong line-ups in what promises to be an entertaining contest.
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By Kunle Solaja
Nigeria’s Super Eagles and Portugal will meet for only the second time at the senior level when they clash in an international friendly in Leiria on Wednesday night.
The encounter comes under remarkably similar circumstances to their first meeting in November 2022, when Portugal defeated Nigeria 4-0 in Lisbon just days before the FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
Once again, Portugal are using Nigeria as their final warm-up match before the World Cup. Four years ago, the Portuguese selected the Super Eagles to prepare for a group-stage clash against Ghana, the team that denied Nigeria a place at Qatar 2022.
History appears to be repeating itself. This time, Portugal are preparing for a World Cup opening fixture against the Democratic Republic of Congo, another team that shattered Nigeria’s World Cup ambitions by eliminating the Super Eagles from the qualification race.
The match at the 29,000-capacity Estádio Dr Magalhães Pessoa offers Nigeria an opportunity to avenge the heavy defeat suffered four years ago and test themselves against one of Europe’s strongest sides.
Portugal coach Roberto Martinez has assembled a star-studded squad featuring five-time Ballon d’Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo, Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, Ruben Dias, Rafael Leão and João Félix.
The Portuguese head into the encounter unbeaten in their last four matches, having recorded victories over the United States and Chile while drawing with Mexico.
Nigeria, under coach Eric Chelle, have also enjoyed an impressive run. Since taking charge 15 months ago, the Franco-Malian tactician has overseen 24 matches and suffered only one defeat in regulation time.
With both teams carrying impressive recent records, Wednesday’s friendly promises to be far more competitive than the scoreline from their last meeting suggests.
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