Written on the 14th of October 2019
When the Brazilian Football Federation announced that they would invite Nigeria to face them in their Global Tour. Nigerians back home were ecstatic. Finally, a proper friendly game where we meet one of the world’s top five Footballing nations. A game that’d cause a seismic change in the FIFA Rankings. Let’s look at what we learnt from the game.
JOE ARIBO
Thanks to a 35th minute strike, from Rangers’ Joe Aribo, Nigeria led 1-0 at the break. A neat play on the right hand side saw Osimhen find Moses Simon with a pin-point cross before the former Ajax Winger laid the ball for the incoming Aribo to score. A product of the Kinetic Academy, recall that he’d already scored on his debut against Ukraine on the 10th of September 2019, as we were held to a 2-2 draw in Dnipro.He burst unto the European scene this season where he bagged 3 goals in Rangers road to Qualifying for the Europa League Group Stages & so far this season, he’s gotten 3 Assists & 4 goals in 16 Appearances for Steven Gerrard’s Men. That goal would do him a lot of good & he’ll only grow from strength to strength.
RAMON AZEEZ
There was an emotional return for Ramon Azeez. Followers of Nigerian football at all levels would remember he was one of the stars in the 2009 U 17 world cup hosted in Nigeria. His last appearance for the Super Eagles was in the 2014 World Cup against Iran. After a series of Injuries even playing in the Spanish 2nd Division, he’s back with Granada in the Laliga. This time with a bang. Yesterday, was his 1st cap in 5 years. He’s an example of Never saying Never, no matter the obstacles you come across.
MADUKA OKOYE
After Casemiro had equalized, the Super Eagles Defence was caught napping again, as the Real Madrid midfielder rose highest & beat Uzoho to the ball, this time the woodwork denied him. Unfortunately, Francis Uzoho landed awkwardly & had to be taken off on a stretcher. In came German born Maduka Okoye. Vibrant, young & Agile Goalkeeper who plies his trade in Fortuna Duesseldorf. Though he wasn’t tested, we can see, he’s got the command of the box. If Uzoho & Okoye continue their progress, the GK department would be safe for another decade.
These are exciting times for Nigerian Football & it will only get better.
Dezreport 