President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Mr. Amaju Melvin Pinnick was still somewhat downcast on Wednesday, but he assured thenff.com that heartfelt disappointment over elimination from the FIFA World Cup finals has given way to fresh determination of ensuring qualification for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations.
The Super Eagles lost narrowly 1-2 to perennial bogey team Argentina in Saint Petersburg, even when it appeared they were cruising with five minutes left in the encounter. Pinnick said the depression was more about getting so close to a place in the knockout rounds and yet having to go home early from football’s biggest houseparty.
“It was sad losing out when it appeared easier to progress from the group stage. I believe the players did their utmost and wanted to get the better of Argentina for the first time at the World Cup. Losing that way, with few minutes to go, really dampened the spirit.
“We apologise to His Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari and all Nigerians from far and near, those who came to Russia to support the team and those who watched on television. Our expectation was for a place in the knockout rounds but that didn’t happen. We will go home and prepare harder for the next finals. In truth, ours is a young and vibrant team capable of learning and getting better, and these attributes hold that the future is bright.”
Pinnick insisted that elimination from the World Cup would do nothing to unhinge the vision of the present NFF administration to build a sustainable football culture for Nigeria.
“We have a population that is truly passionate about the game. It is that wonderful equity that we are happy to engage and build on for the good of the Nigeria game. Development of the game at the grassroots will proceed apace and our focus on the Future Eagles (U13/U15) competition will become even more painstaking.
“For the moment, we have to start preparations for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations, which is only 12 months away, as well as intensify the preparation of the Falconets (U20 Women Team) and the Super Falcons (Senior Women Team) for major championships coming up soon.”
CAF Appeal Board, Mustapha hails Nigeria performance despite exit
The President of CAF Appeal Board, A. U. Mustapha (SAN) has praised the endeavour of the Super Eagles at the FIFA World Cup in Russia, saying though Nigerians expected a better outing; the players did give their all in the circumstances.
Speaking on Wednesday morning, the Senior Advocate cautioned analysts who have been condemning the team, insisting that the players put up impressive performances against Iceland and Argentina and possess the capacity to keep improving with an eye on future glory.
“The FIFA World Cup is the highest level of the sport, and we must realise that it is no piece of cake. Our boys gave their very best in the circumstances. They were under par in their first match and that is understandable because it was the first match. We saw the improved performances in their last two matches.
“I want to give kudos to the NFF Board led by Mr. Amaju Pinnick. They gave the team everything it required to succeed, in terms of additional quality technical staff, high quality preparation n terms of friendlies and camping sites and adequate financing. The Board and the technical team deserve our commendation.”
Kahn mocked Nigeria before Korea shocked Germany
Germany goalkeeping legend Oliver Kahn was left red in the face when unheralded South Korea bundled his country out of the 2018 World Cup, 24 hours after he had mocked Nigeria’s Super Eagles who were eliminated in Group D following a 2-1 loss to Argentina.
Khan, who was in the goal post in the 2-0 World Cup final loss to Brazil in Japan/Korea 2002, was a guest analyst on German television station ZDF and was less than charitable to the Nigerians.
Asked for his opinion about Nigeria’s performance in the game, the former Bayern Munich captain was dismissive of the Super Eagles.
“Nigerians are full of emotions and they tend to overrate themselves. But they are not good enough to compete at this level,” he said among other uncomplimentary things.
Barely a day later, Germany who are the defending champions of the World Cup were knocked out of the competition after winning just one of three group games.
Korea Republic thumped Germany 2-0 to send them packing and it was an embarrased Kahn who was left with the duty of explaining away Germany’s worst performance in 80 years.
He went ahead to insult the German players but set Toni Kroos ahead for particular mention, calling him all sorts of names for what he described as a pathetic performance from the Real Madrid midfielder.
It was the fourth time in the last five editions that a reigning champion will be kicked out after the first round. 1998 champions France were kicked out in 2002 while 2006 winners Italy failed to go beyond the first round in South Africa four years later. Their successors Spain failed to cross the preliminary hurdle in Brazil 2014 too. Only 2002 winners Brazil escaped the jinx.
Ref right not to give S/Eagles second penalty
Former Super Eagles midfielder Garba Lawal has rejected claims that referee Cuneyt Cakir had a hand in the team’s elimination from the Russia 2018 World Cup.
The Nigerian side fell 2-1 to Argentina on Tuesday and ended in third place in Group D with three points.
Many Nigerians felt the Turkish official favoured Argentina, especially after refusing to give a penalty for Marcos Rojo’s handball after Video Assistant Referee review.
“The referee was fair enough,” Lawal, who featured for the Super Eagles at the 1998 World Cup in France, told Completesportsnigeria.com on Wednesday.
“When the incident happened, he wasn’t sure so he went to check the VAR before making any decision. On getting there he saw that the ball touched Rojo’s head before hitting his hands.
“If the ball had touched his hand alone it’s a penalty. But at the end of the day, the ball dropped but Ighalo couldn’t convert his chance, instead he missed the ball. We should not criticise the referee but the players who missed good opportunities.”
Omeruo, Musa, Ndidi, Messi
Super Eagles trio Kenneth Omeruo, Wilfred Ndidi and Ahmed Musa have been included in an unofficial Group D best eleven of the Russia 2018 FIFA World Cup based mostly on statistics.
The XI was compiled by football facts and statistics website, whoscored.com, and revealed on their verified Twitter handle on Wednesday.
Group D winners Croatia dominated the list as six players from their team are included. The players are Danijel Subasic (goalkeeper), Ivan Rakitic, Ante Rebic, Ivan Perisic, Ivan Strinic and Sime Vrsaljko.
Argentina, who edged the Super Eagles to progress into the round of 16, have Lionel Messi and Marcos Rojo.
The Group D best eleven which is in a 4-4-2 formation, has Omeruo in central defence, Ndidi occupying one of the central midfield positions and Musa pairing Messi in the attack.
No player from Iceland is in the team.
