The Super Eagles of Nigeria will today take on the Syli Nationale of Guinea in a must win clash. Victory in today’s game will see Nigeria qualify as either the group leaders or one of the three best losers. Last month, Coach Samson Siasia said he was targeting a 3-0 victory over the Guineans to ensure Nigeria wins the sole ticket as group leaders. Nigeria rode on the back of the Guinean national team to reach her first-ever African Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals, way back in 1963.?
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In the first ever clash between both nations at the senior level, the Guineans had tied the first leg of the qualifying race with Nigeria 2-2 in Lagos on July 27, 1963, and then presumed they had won the fixture after edging the return 1-0 in Conakry on 0ctober 6 of the same year.
But the Confederation of African Football (CAF) threw Guinea out of the race after it discovered that a Guinean was the centre referee of the return leg. Nigeria thus qualified for her first African Nations Cup finals by default.
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Guinea exacted a form of revenge when the Syli Stars spanked the Nigerian team 3-0 in the Balewa Cup first leg played in Conakry on December 1, 1971. On January 30, 1972, the return leg ended 1-1 in Lagos.
The only clash between both countries at the finals of the African Cup of Nations till date came on March 9, 1976 in Addis Ababa. It ended 1-1. But eventually, Guinea finished second and Nigeria third at the only Cup of Nations to have been played using a league format.
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In an Espana 1982 FIFA World Cup qualifying fixture, both teams tied 1-1 in Conakry on April 12, 1981 before a late Henry Nwosu scorcher gave Nigeria a 1-0 victory in Lagos on April 25, 1981, and a berth in the final round of the qualifying race, where the Eagles lost to Algeria.
In the race for a place at the 1990 African Cup of Nations, both countries finished 1-1 in Conakry on April 9, 1989 and the Eagles won the return leg 3-0 in Ibadan on April 22 of the same year.
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In the race for a place at the France 1998 FIFA World Cup finals, the Eagles edged the Syli Nationale 2-1 at the National Stadium in Lagos on April 5, 1997 – the Guineans’ only goal was scored by former superstar and now Sports minister, Aboubacar Titi Camara.
The return match in Conakry was inconsequential as the Super Eagles had already booked a place in France before the game, which Guinea won 1-0.
Guinea recorded the same 1-0 win when both teams met in the ongoing race in Conakry on October 9, 2010.
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However, some Nigerians gave their views on this crucial encounter that will either make or mar the Super Eagles.
Haruna Lawal, a football fan based in Abuja said, “Nigeria will demolish Guinea 3-0. I expect us to attack from the very first minute. We will sure beat them, we need to start with two wide players, the two Obi’s in the middle and maybe two strikers. I will suggest Brown and Osaze, then the duo of Obinna or Obasi and Musa on the flanks.”?
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According to Uche, a follower of the Super Eagles, “The present Eagles seem not to have character and this may work against them even though they are playing at home.”?
Making reference to the manner the Eagles have responded to camping as compared to Syli who have been in camp earlier, he lamented that the Eagles are always in a hurry and seem to depend on the actions of their opponents before they strike.
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Also, Boboye, an ardent supporter of the Eagles said it would be a crunch tie and Nigerians expect nothing more than a victory and qualification. “I expect a workman-like performance from the team. We expect them to get the work done in good time, it is now or never for Coach Samson Siasia and his lads.”?
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Micheal was of the opinion that Nigeria will qualify. “We will beat Guinea. I am very sure we are better than the Guineans in all ramifications. I cannot imagine the Nations Cup without Nigeria. Egypt is already out and Cameroon may not qualify, so imagine the Nations Cup without Nigeria, Cameroon and Egypt.?
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“I think we should put the Guineans under pressure from the first minute, and if the goals don’t come in the first half, the team should not panic because they may begin to make silly mistakes in the second half. Nigerians are fully behind them, and by the grace of God we will beat Guinea and qualify.”
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Most football fans are of the opinon that the Eagles should play a three-man midfield, with Osaze,Obasi and Musa in front. We hope that whatever formation the coach comes out with today, the Eagles should soar high.
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