Gooners around the world forget Arsenal and their woes for a couple of hours as their respective nations slugged out their shins to make use of the FIFA international window. Others had 2014 World Cup qualifiers to play.
Being a Nigerian, I was obliged to follow the Super Eagles. Nigeria travelled to Miami to hold a friendly against 46th ranked Venezuela. The Stephen Keshi led Nigerians defeated the South Americans 3-1 thanks to goals by Brown Ideye, Nosa Igiebor and Ogenyi Onazi.
A goalless first half filled with missed opportunities preceded a second half of 4 goals. Two quick goals by Ideye and Igiebor was reduced by the Venezuelans before Onazi finished off in the dying minutes off the game.
Worthy to note is that Newcastle forward, Shola Amoebi made his debut for his homeland Nigeria. At the age of 31 years, he came in at 70 minutes and assisted the final goal of the came scored by Ogenyi Onazi. Bright Ejike, playing in the MLS also made his debut.
Arsenal’s 2011 nightmare-executor Obafemi Martins made a return to the Super Eagles. Since his move to Levanté, he has been astonishing, scoring when he wants. He was replaced by Amoebi in the 70th minutes. Austin Ejide captained the side.
In Europe, there is one name of everyone’s lips: Zlatan Ibrahimovic. Popular called ibracadabra in some Nigerian circles, Zlatan scored a double brace to give Roy Hodgson his first defeat since taking up the job of coaching the Three Lions.
In a game that saw Gerrard make a century of appearance for England, Zlatan stole the show with that bicycle kick goal. It is my goal of the century. Forget Messi and Ronaldo, Zlatan Ibrahimovic is the true world best. He was won in every league he has played in. it is high time UEFA and FIFA give him his respect.
In other matches, Netherlands and Germany played out a goalless draw, France defeated Italy 2-1, Australia piped South Korea 2-1 while the US played a 2-2 draw with Russia.
Argentina, complete with Messi, Aguero et al played a goalless draw with Saudi Arabia with Brazil played a 1-1 draw with Colombia with Neymar missing a late penalty. Czech put 3 past Slovakia while Ukraine edged Bulgaria 1-0. China drew 1-1 with New Zealand.
Back to emirates, we have spurs for lunch on Saturday. Hope we send them to the cleaners. I hear Wenger may try a weird defence with 3 center backs and 2 full backs. Whatsoever, a win is what we crave. Scz is back, hope he keeps the sheet clean.
I am off to watch Zlatan’s goal again and again.
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