Names do not play football, Abia State former governor, Dr.Orji Uzor Kalu, told the Super Eagles as they prepare to battle Cote D’Ivoire in Sunday’s Nations Cup quarter-finals. In his message, Kalu said:”The Elephants are beatable. Big names such as Didier Drogba and Yaya Toure did not stop Zambia from lifting the trophy in 2012.
Diego Maradona and Argentina were floored by Cameroun, even as defending champion, at the Italia’90 World Cup. Eagles also showed their stuff in France when they damaged pre-tournament favourite, Spain, beyond recognition in 1998.That was the last we heard of Andoni Zubizaretta and the beginning of the end for Raul. Mark my words, Drogba would bite his nails at the end of the clash.” The ex-governor in his usual historical analysis explained that anytime Nigeria played defending champion in the first round, they stayed until the end of the competition, and also returned with a medal.
“That is the story since 1976 when the Eagles played Zaire,1974 African champion.It also happened in 1984, with 1982 winner, Ghana, in the same Bouake group.Same story in 1988, cup holder, Egypt, was in Eagles’ group, just as what happened again in 2010 when defending champion, Egypt, met the Eagles in the first round.In 2013, it was Zambia.So, there is no stopping the tradition,”he stressed. And until Egypt thrashed Nigeria 3-1 in Angola, no defending champion ever beat the Eagles.
Zaire in 1976, Ghana in 1984, Egypt in 1988, Cote D’Ivore in 1994, Cameroun in 2004 and Tunisia in 2006.This year, Zambians should thank the Egyptian referee for picking a draw.Kalu goes ahead to talk of history. “Defending champions come with luck.You see that even when Egypt stained that record in 2010, Nigeria still went on to win bronze.Quote me, anytime Eagles met defending champion, they got a medal at the end.You saw the game with Zambia
.The Ivorians are going to be hit with bad news,”he added. Kalu bid the Chipolopolo bye mockingly.”Payback time, you know.As defending champion, Nigeria was knocked out of the first round at Libya ’82. Eagles were in the same group as Zambia and Ethiopia.Infact, it was the last group match that guranteed Zambia’s qualification.Then she was all smiles,while Nigerians cried.T uesday’s joy changed sides.Victor Moses refused to set Zambia free.”
Good analysis by His Excellency Dr. Kalu.
But history may not be repeated in this quarterfinal. The then super Eagles played with 100% commitment. I wish these guys can do the same. Taribo West’s slogan was “IF YOU MISS THE BALL, DON’T MISS THE LEG” that is why that Super Eagle’s team remained the best and the most committed ever. Let us wait and see what plays out at the end.
But, if we scale through the QF, our chances are very bright to lift the trophy.
Thanks.
I wish Super Eagles of Ngeria Victory against D’Ivore on Sunday.
I love this, this is a nice advice
It wl hapen if nd only if d eagles openly reject d offer by d association of nigerian prostitute. May God 4give us nd restore our favours bk
There’s nothing God can not do Nigeria will win by the grace of God. Drogba and their big stars where there when zambia defeated them in last Nations Cup. I wish Nigeria players all the best. zukies
Their akwuna customers are calling for their return.goodluck to them.
if it where other teams i would expect eagles to win but i give it to the ELEPHANTS! Nigeria win does not change anything to the life of common man but when the ELEPHANTS win……Abidjan will be painted ORANGE!!!
The insensitive offer by the association of nigerian prostitute is a bad omen for the super eagles of Nigeria.
i love your faith chief Dr. Orji Kalu
Itz funny atimes wen pple refer 2 luck above dedidation and strng sense of belonging. The elephants are more determined and better than d eagles. Anyway, may d better team wins
Names do not win matches. Others, Ghana, Ivory Coast, etc were there during the last edition when Zambia from no where won that edition. Beating the two power house of Africa football. Again, if it were names, it would have been Cameroun and not Cape Vade. Chelsea won the last European Champion cup against all predictions, flooring almighty Barca and ever fearful Bayern. A team that God favours to win, will win even the cup itself.
keshi lack d tactical ability to lead d team.i give it to d elephant.
I belive in god nigerians wil happy again on sunday match i belive dat dis afcon is hour’s in jesus name amen
i wish super Eagles goodluck over Drogba