It is Good Friday and a day for Nigeria to put their African Cup of Nations 2017 on the right path. The 0-0 draw away to Tanzania in September 2015 left the Eagles in 2nd position behind leaders Egypt who have forgotten how the AFCON looks like. Kaduna will be agog this evening when the Super Eagles will host the Pharaohs of Egypt.
Football is such a sport in Nigeria that it could be substituted for religion and is one tool that unites the various ethnic groups and religions in the country. The resignation of Sunday Oliseh came at the wrong time with questions on patriotism, team managements and contractual agreements. The leadership of Samson Siasia has started off with Chelsea’s John Mikel Obi appointed as the new Super Eagles captain as the longest serving player. Ahmed Musa handed over yesterday. Nigerians hope the three points will be wrapped up by 6pm tonight.
Arsenal will be represented in Kaduna. Alex Iwobi may make his competitive debut for the Super Eagles and Mohamed Elneny looks set to feature for Egypt.
Yesterday, the matches for week 8 of the Nigerian Professional Football League was concluded with defending champions Enyimba scrapping out a routine 1-0 win over newly promoted Plateau United. Nasarawa United, recently knocked out of the CAF Champions League, added misery to Ikorodu United’s season with a 2-0 victory to move out of the bottom of the table.
Ikorodu United have now lost 4 consecutive matches this season which is a very good relegation form. Lagos state will not afford to have their newly promoted side relegated within a season but they must realize that the last two teams that lost 4 consecutive games in the NPFL got relegated – Nembe City and Crown FC.
The full results of Matchday 8:
- Rivers United FC 0-0 Sunshine Stars FC
- Giwa FC 1-1 El-kanemi Warriors FC
- FC IfeanyiUbah 1-0 Heartland FC
- MFM FC 1-1 Kano Pillars FC
- Enyimba FC 1-0 Plateau United FC
- Lobi Stars FC 3-0 Rangers FC
- Akwa United FC 0-0 Warri Wolves FC
- Abia Warriors 0-0 Wikki Tourists FC
- Niger Tornadoes 2-1 Shooting Stars FC
- Nasarawa United FC 2-0 Ikorodu United FC
It was a sad Thursday for the world after it was reported that Netherlands footballing Legend Johan Cruyff has died of Cancer at the age of 68. RIP Cruyff.
Enjoy your holiday.
SoccerGunz 