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Author: chukwuka N.Eze
Posted to the web: 9/10/2007 8:15:44 AM

Chukwuka N. Eze

chuksnkemeze@yahoo.com

 

LESSONS FROM THE GOLDEN EAGLETS’ SUCCESS IN KOREA 2007

 

At last, millions of sport-loving Nigerians have been given a cause to smile by the success of the Nigerian Golden Eaglets in the just concluded Under-17 World Youths Championship in Korea. This trophy which started its world-wide journey in Nigeria in 1985 suddenly became elusive to Nigeria for about twelve years now. As I join fellow Nigerians in rolling out drums in celebration, I wish to quickly highlight the secret of our team’s success for all stakeholders in sports in Nigeria to note.

 

This team, like every other Nigerian team is peopled by Nigerians. Their pattern of play is basically Nigeria’s traditional play style. The only difference, which sets this team apart from most Nigerian and in fact African teams, is their cautious approach to the round leather game. This is the secret of the team’s success, and a lesson for other Nigerian teams. Undoubtedly, there are good players in the team and the technical input from the bench has been commendable, but the main secret, I repeat is their cautious, less physical play style.

 

As far as I can remember, this is the only Nigerian team that played seven matches in a competition without conceding a penalty, and/or a red card being given to any of the players. Remember, this team played such frisky countries like Argentina, Colombia, Germany and Spain. Juxtaposing this team with the Siasia-led Flying Eagles that won silver in Holland 2005; I see two good teams with good players. The only difference is that one is more cautious than the other in their play style. Had the Siasia Flying Eagles been as cautious as Yemi Tella’s Golden Eaglets, they could have brought back the gold from Holland to Nigeria in 2005.

 

I am certain that most sports-loving Nigerians will not forget in a hurry that painful defeat to Argentina in the finals of Holland 2005. How were the goals scored? – Both through penalties resulting from alleged rough tackles in the eighteen yards box. This was an avoidable loss if the team was a little more cautious. I am persuaded that the Argentine team would not have scored two goals (or any goal at all) in that match without the two penalties awarded to them against the Flying Eagles. Although the match official might have some questions to answer regarding his decisions in the match, the Nigerian players actually left themselves to the discretion of the referee.

 

Even though it has taken a while, but the scar of the wound inflicted on Nigerians by the last minute loss to Italy in USA 94 still remains, and get painful sometimes. But for the lack of caution by Austin Egwuaveon (the current Super Eagles’ Coach), Nigeria might have made history by getting to the Quarter, semi or even the final of the World Cup in their first ever appearance in the competition. The Ghanaian team in the just concluded Korea 2007 could have played the finals with Nigeria if not that they were less cautious. The goal they conceded in the last minute against Spain is attributable to want of caution.

 

Aside from the goals that result from less cautious play pattern, the distortions which teams suffer from the suspension of their players resulting from red cards or two yellow cards is grave. The suspension of the Spanish play-maker Bojan in the final against Nigeria following a red card he received in their semi-final match against Ghana is a good example. On the other hand, the Nigerian coach enjoyed the full services of his squad throughout the competition – no wonder, he succeeded!

 

Looking back to the goal Nigeria conceded against Germany in the semi-finals of the competition, it is clear that a less cautious defender could have brought down the German captain to prevent him from scoring. But, what would have been the result of such an act?

1.     A penalty would certainly be awarded against Nigeria, which is more than ninety nine percent assurance of a goal; and
2.     The Nigerian defender could be red-carded for a rough tackle against a goal-bound move.

The effect of such a red card is that Nigeria will complete the entire semi-final match one-man less, and if we eventually qualify for finals or play for the third place, the team will miss the services of that defender. It could have been a huge loss!

 

The undiscerning may interpret as weakness the less-physical or cautious approach to the game of soccer, but the Golden Eaglet’s victory in Korea 2007 has shown that ‘cautious play’ is the better option. Now, nobody talks about the referee being biased or being a racist - the boys did not give room for the referee to exercise such discretion. I noticed many times the Spaniards were bereft of ideas and were just be juggling with the ball, waiting for a hot tempered Nigerian player to bring them down, but the boys applied caution.

 

Certainly, the players, the coaching crew and Nigerians as a whole deserve commendation for this feat, but the lessons from this success, as exposed in this piece should not be drowned in the ocean of celebration. It does not pay anyone to cry over spilled milk; hence ‘caution’ is the word. Nigerian players, coaching crew and sports administrators should take note.

 

Congratulations Golden Eaglets!!!