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Super Eagles leave with a whimper
England booked their place in the second round with a gritty draw against already eliminated Nigeria. The Super Eagles defeat in their previous game had condemned them to an early exit. In the end both teams seemed happy with the draw after creating chances. The Super Eagles seemed to have an edge in pressure over the first quarter hour, until England forward Emile Heskey was able to sneak his toe on a low cross from the right side and direct a shot on goal. Goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama, one of four Nigerians making his World Cup debut in a much changed side. After English pressure, the game found a balance and the teams traded dangerous free kicks. Jay Jay Okocha had a 20-metre shot from the left side saved by David Seaman (31'), and Beckham launched a 25-metre chance that was off the mark (32'). The speedy Michael Owen then had his first opportunity when he raced around a defender into the penalty area, but his shot went wide (35'). At the other end, Akwuegbu had a shot stopped by Seaman and the rebound cleared (37'). In the closing minutes of the half, England had several looks at goal, but most were either off target or blocked by Nigerian defenders. Paul Scholes had the best chance when Enyeama turned his 25-metre effort off the right post and away (44'). Nigeria opened the second half with Aghahowa breaking into the penalty area, but his foray did not result in a shot at Seaman's net. Beckham then stepped up for another England free kick and again missed the net, going high at the near post (56'). From that point, England enjoyed most of the possession but could not crack the Nigerian defence. Most of their chances came from shots outside the area, with many of those off target, while the the Super Eagles seemed hesitant to bring players into the attack. Knowing that their place in the round of 16 was reserved with one point, England spent little time attacking in the final 20 minutes, content with a draw, while Nigeria appeared content with their performance and happy to leave Japan with a clean sheet. Afterwards Nigerian
coach Adegboye Onigbinde said " We had two objectives. One, to present
a team that would not be disgraced at the World Cup finals, and secondly
to lay a foundation for a new Super Eagles. I believe, particularly from
the line-up I presented this afternoon, it is clear we have a sound foundation
for the new look Super Eagles. So I am satisfied." "I sincerely
believe it was the will of God that we have not qualified for the second
round. Because I believe we played well enough to have beaten Argentina
and we played well enough to have beaten Sweden hands down. And now Sweden
has qualified for the next round. So that is football." "With what we have seen this afternoon, I believe that the Nigerian national team, if we continue with this crusade, within the next six months, we will have a very formidable team." |
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In
Round 2 Ike
Shorunmu Lucas
Radebe Samuel
Eto'o In
Round 1 Metsu's
secret Profiles
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