2014 Brazil Fifa World Cup: Africans are failure magnets.

Cameroon boarded the plane to the 2014 Brazil Fifa World Cup late due to the issue of bonuses. Ghana bonuses were airlifted to South America late. Nigeria met over the bonuses until late and skipped training as a result. The Ghanaians hoped to be better than Cameroon in the way they handled the players and their grievances. The Nigerians are hoping to be way better than Cameroon and a little better than Ghana. What is the difference here, really? The administrations of these associations would argue that theirs would either be appearance fees and not bonuses, or allowances and the like. If that is where the difference lies, then we expect different results.

Cameroon were a disaster as they even fought amongst themselves on the field of play. Ghanaians fought at training and in the hotels. Nigerians fought in the bus as they failed to attend the scheduled training. Who is better here? Will the results differ? Ok, forget about about this World Cup. African administrators are skilled in this kind of behaviour. Give me one nation that has never been hit by the players’ strike and over and over again. We thrive in failure. We smell failure and get attracted to it. We are failure magnets. I am not even sure what the word Africa means. It could be something to do with folly. You may think this is being heartless but ‘who needs a heart when a heart can be broken?’ Moreover, how many hearts can one have only to be broken? I am just fed up about celebrating mediocrity and then nursing heartbreak after heartbreak. Leaders of our football just suck and big time. After that, they fire coaches and hire expats.

Let me change the subject. Twenty years ago, Italia ’90, many thought African football has come of age when Cameroon bamboozled the reigning world champions, Argentina, at the prime of one Diego Maradona. The performance led to the famous prophesy by Pele, that Africa will win the World Cup by the turn of the millennium. He had good reason and man of us believed. That team reached the quarterfinals and were in the semis until one referee decided that African participation was enough. England was the recipient of two penalties converted by Gary Lieneker for their 2-1 lead. From an African point of view, there was a cry of conspiracy.

In 1994, Nigeria had Africa’s greatest team of all time. Under the tutelage of Clemens Westerhof, they progressed through the USA ’94 tournament with authority. They attracted the world with their beautiful football. In the quarterfinal against Italy, they fell to a late penalty that took the match to extra time, which they eventually lost. The conspiracy theories flew everywhere, albeit a bit subdued to the excitement the Africans brought.

France ’98 went fairly well, but Nigeria could have had a case to cry foul. Senegal rose to the occasion in Korea/Japan ’02. Germany ’06 was modest and then came South Africa 2010. Ghana went all the way to face Uruguay in the quarterfinals. Before that point, there was already much cry about how Luis Suarez’s Uruguay beat South Africa. That was a huge glaring home-made victory over the hosts. Suarez blocked a last second goal by had to force the match into a penalty shoot-out. Ghana lost.

This is Brazil 2014 and the game has evolved since, with Goal Line Technology ad all. The African demise is static. The continent has leant nothing over time about the game and officiating. This is despite the fact that the motherland saw the rise of its son to be the best player in the world since those days. George Weah remains the only player to win that accolade. However, the French triumph has since been dubbed Pele’s prophesy but I will not go there for now.

At this moment is time, we have the best players in the world as Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. It would be unfair to actually compare anyone with the two. Do not mention Neymar yet. He is a new kid on the block and he still needs to show the world and Europe what he is made of. So far, he has given us an idea of football player ideality. Besides that, the best players in the world in the past five years are African. The best teams in the world over the past ten years depended on the African contingent. They grace the palaces and all high places representing their paymasters. They dine and wine with the kings and queens. Many have adopted countries that feed their families.

Playing in the elite leagues for these great clubs has a distinct advantage of plying their trade with the best and against the best in the world. It exposed them to the live the world envies. They win a lot of respect from peers and foes, referees and coaches. Their statuses remain a beacon of hope for many, but becomes their downfall at the World Cup when they come home to their national teams.

Referees will respect and protect Yaya Toure, Didier Drogba and Samuel Eto’o as long as they play for Manchester City, Chelsea or Barcelona respectively. As soon as they don the Cote D’Ivoire, Ghana or Cameroon shirts, they are on their own. The problem is that they do not see that. They carry their superstar tag on wrong ground. It may not be the will of the officials to act that way. African teams look strong and act robust when in tussles and duels. Their combats are physical and no matter how fair, they attract the wrath of the officials. Some of the referees feel like blowing the whistle just by looking at the muscles. The assistant referees find their hands up for offside even if the ball has not been played or is behind the centre line.

How do players deal with this? Common sense is not common. The referees compensate for these either before or after match-changing decisions. The officials drag the carrots by awarding questionable decisions lie throw-ins and free-kicks at points of the field and of the game where there is no advantage or benefit. They will caution useless opposition players to massage the minds of African players. After receiving those fringe benefits that do not count, they come with the big one. They will award a penalty against the teams where there is minimum contact; give a red-card without merit, well with little but no reasonable doubt.

Basically, the African players from the big leagues get frustrated when they cannot get away with what they normally get away with in European leagues. That naivety leads to basic errors, both in attack and in defence. In attack, a shove at the back when one plays for Chelsea, a penalty is awarded by the officials. In the World Cup, when representing the nation, one may have to be amputated by a tackle to get one. In defence, the speedy and strong tackle to clear the ball will see the officials set the ball on the whitewash, and a bonus red-card of course. It must be remembered that many African strikers have strength and try to stay on their feet despite heavy and brute tackling. Penalties are not awarded for falling, but for committed fouls. Non-Africans commit these fouls against Africans but the officials take it like, ‘You are an African, that shouldn’t hurt, no penalty for you. Play on’.

The conceived violence of these players make referees ignore protecting them. The African players never get the doubt of the benefit from officials. They seem not to appreciate that officials will never give favours in productive areas unless in glaring cases, and even then, once in a while usually before the centre line or in areas that do not threaten the opposition sensitive areas.

All said and done, in the Fifa World Cup, if you are an African, never play the ball square at the back. Short passes should be prohibited, cover and balance at the back are mandatory. It is always fatal to play without support. There is no defending nicely. The ball should stay as far away from the goalkeeper as possible, not some of the time, but all of the time. Iran parked the bus and maybe it is high time African teams parked one and let the world complain. Too much respect of non-African teams because one solicits for the jersey after the match does not work. Africans need to prove that under any coach, and anywhere in the universe, they are the master of the game. They should deliver without with African or European teammates.

As for the leadership of the game, the involved people mess up the spirit of the people, waste the money and hire white European expatriate whom they pay huge salaries to come and fail. For the record, all World Cup winners did so with indigenous coaches. Many African countries qualified or won continental success with local coaches, but none earned as much as the expats. There is still hope in Nigeria and Algeria, but otherwise Africa deserves to shed the tears of their own making at this 2014 Fifa World Cup.

Algeria draw 1-1 with Russia in 2014 Fifa World Cup

The high tempo possession football by Algeria dealt an early heavy blow when Feghouli received treatment for the head injury and Russia pounced from the left. Kokorin jumped to jerk-knife a header to the left top corner a perfect Kombarov cross. This should now be a boring line, that there was no pressing to the crosser and the marking on the header of the ball was very bad.

Algeria tried to crack the Russian defence by going through the middle to no avail. Russia was full of energy and hard running as they pressed high up in front. The strategy was to get as many players behind the ball as possible. They kept compact by quickly closing any gaps and options before the Africans could pounce.

The Africans played a patient game for the suitability of the occasion and that made them create less opportunities. There were a few possibilities that were not fully utilised, especially aerial balls. The Russians were content to let the Algerians shoot from way out. Their midfield job was superb as they took control of that department in terms of tight marking, intercepting, getting to the ball first and picking up the second ball. They dominated the duels and completed more quality forward passes.

The continued pacey game by Russia troubled the slow and calculative Algerians. Brute force of the Europeans team could not be matched by the desperate Africans tired their level best to wrestle the match. As they probed the right and then the left, the Russians showed some cracks as they could not cope with sleek skills, conceding free-kicks.

Feghouli won one free-kick on the right and Djabou won another on the left immediately afterwards. Brahimi took a nice right-footed delivery to the far post for Slimani to head past a sprawling Frei to level the score. There was no man to mark the scorer tight and the goalkeeper came off his line for the ball but he missed it completely.

It became an open match, action swinging from end to end. Algeria were resolute and solid closing all available spaces and clonking the balls away and Russia were committed to prying open that which stood between them and the next round. They starred directly into the barrel as the Africans pulled the trigger. Algerian passed through to join Nigeria as Africa’s representative in the last sixteen.

Nigeria beat Bosnia 1-0 in 2014 Fifa World Cup

The teams showed early intentions as they forced errors from each other’s defences, creating chances at each end of the pitch. Nigeria sought to win the ball early in the attacking third, but they wasted the chances they created out of that pressing. The match was fast and produced a scoring goal in each of the first 10 minutes. The Africans got out of the midfield well but the final ball never worried the Europeans.

There was purpose and gusto in the Nigerian attacks as they settled down and forced the Bosnians to back paddle. They got the men behind the ball and pushed into attack in numbers upon winning possession. With a little composure, Nigeria could have been two goals up by the 20^th minute. Each wasted Nigeria chance encouraged the Bosnians who grew stronger in counter-attacking. Nigeria’s Musa could have put the match beyond the Europeans with better alertness and finishing.

In the push to get an opener, they got exposed on the wings, especially the right side where Emunike and Odemwinge found favours from their defenders. Odemwinge picked a ball in the defensive third and accelerated across the midfield third. Emunike received the ball and swept past a Bosnian who claimed a fouled. The Nigerian striker had tactical awareness to see Odemwinge’s continued run. He played a cut back that the Stoke striker took first time through advancing Begovic’s legs.

Emunike did well to slow down, take off at pace, round his man, attack the by-line and looked up before cutting the ball back. Peter also made a clever run and then hanged back a while waiting for that pass from the right. The defenders lost sight of him as they failed to keep a tight leash on him. The communication between the goalkeeper and the defence could have been better.

Edin Dzeko began to play away from the last men, preferring to come short around the D-zone. Nigeria failed to realise that and did not track him as he began to touch the ball more often, taking wild attempts at goal. Regardless, the Africans looked threatening with each attack and they tried to get the green wall behind the ball.

Bosnia Herzegovina upped the tempo a little and increase pressure on the ball to force errors. They got first to the ball and won the second ball while Nigeria were content to absorb the pressure. They could not utilise the ball possession. The African champions got stuck and failed to play out of midfield as they began to lose the ball without pressure and took a lot of time to retrieve it.  

Begovic made a lot of telling saves to deny Nigeria a handful of goals especially from Emunike who had a field day on the right. Victor Enyeama had to be at his level best to scoop the late Dzeko header from a corner kick. There was further drama as the Enyeama saved Dzeko shot by his legs. The ricochet crushed against the left upright. That ended a brilliant maiden campaign of the Europeans, but Nigeria deserved the victory as they managed the match well after scoring. They could have easily scored a few more goals, had they not sat back and be content with the odd goal.   

Nigeria, Iran draw 2014 Fifa World Cup match

Iran were very defensive in their approach, keeping the one point they started with very safe. They barricaded the centre line and camp beyond it, inviting Nigeria to take the initiative. The Super Eagles took control of the game with penetration on the left channel with Victor Moses and Mohamed Moussa. The enthusiastic Iranians could not cope with that pace, and their nervous goalkeeper got cover of the good marking outside the penalty area.

Nigeria won many midfield duels with their efficient interceptions and concentration. For their efforts, they failed to complement their possession with incisive play as they resorted to long passes and diagonal balls, to the comfort of their adversaries. They were very slow in entering the final third of the pitch hence their final pass was always predictable. The erratic shooting summed up the first half.

The only defensive test the Africans had to deal with was the corner-kick from the right. The marking was very poor as they allowed a free header by Reza. Victor Enyeama did well to parry the ball back into play. He was fortunate to pick up substitute, Joseph Yobo with that clearance as Iran were within range to capitalise as the ball was played straight into the traffic. Save for the good passing game in midfield, it was an overall poor performance, as Nigeria did not do much to trouble the goalkeeper who was never really tested. This gave Iran some confidence as they began to make some inroads in their attacks.

The Iranians had a front foot in early second half as they pressed up field. Nigeria responded by forcing consecutive corners which they fluffed. Despite the general increase in pace in attack after the introduction of Shola Ameobi, Nigerians began to lose concentration cheaply giving away the ball in dangerous positions and getting susceptible to counter-attacks.

It was extremely unbelievable how the Super Eagles gave away possession like Father Christmas. Iran reciprocated the gesture by failing to punish the sloppiness and loss of concentration. The pace in entering the final third dropped for Nigeria again, allowing Iran midfield and defence to regroup and re-organise. The level of anxiety increase as the time lapsed.  

Dejagah, who had a fantastic game, had a chance to open the scoring before being substituted. The Nigerian midfield then began to stay back leaving the attackers with no support. Failure to pick up the second ball encouraged Iran to fancy their chances. A goalless draw, the first of the tournament, favoured them as they kept the same point they started with. For the African champions, it was two points lost.

CHANrity begins at home

One African Nation Cup (CHAN and not ANC) concept has been a revolutionary football ideal I hope will never die. The football and African politics are always a threat to the great good that the motherland always comes up with. It is a ‘kill them before they grow’ greed and hatred driven-debacle externally brewed and internal bred.

The idea, as known to all, is that African local league players are selected to represent their countries. This exposes the amateurs to the world. The same concept should have restricted the coaches in charge of these teams, to allow local mentors and in cases where the senior coaches are local, to allow only their local assistants to steer their local national teams to glory.

There can be an argument that the senior mentors have to be responsible to see potential graduates to the first teams and impose their style of play in the players involved in CHAN, but that is an excuse that football associations may have to stunt the growth of coaching education and practice. It can never be acceptable.

Stephen Keshi, the Big Boss, of Nigeria could have trusted Daniel Amokachi with the Super Eagles. South African Gordon Igesund could have taken a back seat and as it is, his effectiveness as a trusted Bafana coach took a knock with the failure to reach the final, increasing the ‘audibility’ of those baying for his blood. The issue is never to trivialize the tournament, but give it as much credibility as possible with development of both players and coaches in mind. It should be a complete package.

Congratulations to Libya for booking their final spot against Ghana after they dispatched a timid and naïve Warriors of Zimbabwe, and I hope they can win. I agree they play ‘anti-football’ but for their history and levelling of the playing ground, there is need for the absence of Ghana, Nigeria, Senegal, Ivory Coast, Algeria, Morocco or Egypt at the top of African football. It could have been a dream case to have Zimbabwe and Libya playing the final, with Zimbabwe winning it.

It must be said that Zimbabwe themselves gave a good account of themselves but paid the penalty by losing on penalties in a match they should have killed in full-time. They wasted further opportunities to do exactly that in extra time and squandered a few vital spot kicks at the end. The southern Africans enjoyed success in the past in the SADC region, winning the COSAFA Cup several times and, transferring that form in this tournament would have shifted the balance of African footballing power southwards, albeit for a moment.

African football has seen the dominance by the Arabic north and then the west. The central zone, represented by DR Congo and Zambia, faired reasonably well compared to the south and eastern regions. As I have always said about the concept of CHAN before it began, I hope one day, a South African man or company will rescue the national league, the ABSA Premiership, and southern Africa as a whole, by sponsoring the club Southern African champions’ league to challenge Zamalek, Al Ahly, Esperance, Asec Abijan, Assante Kotoko and the rest of the club heavy weights.

Charity begins at home.

Afcon 2013; The best teams in the finals.

The poor officiating took shine off the best performance of the South Africa Afcon 2013 when Burkna Faso blasted Ghana out of the tournament to reach their first ever final that they will play against Nigeria on Sunday. While that bad and incompetent referee has been sent home, as if there was a chance he would stay and referee the final, his bad decision will directly impact on the whole history of the Africa football because, Pitriopa, a victim of his ineptitude will not take part in the final.

The Burkinabe was one of the brightest things left at the tournament and his charge at goal was unlawfully brought to a halt by a Ghanaian. The referee denied the player and Burkina Faso a penalty and adding salt and chillies to injury, Pitroipa was dismissed for simulation. Together with Traore, they would have been value for money against Super Eagles of Nigeria but the Stallions have enough ammunition to dispatch the super-charged former champions.

The soft penalty Ghana got was not anything close to a penalty, even from distance and at first glance. The denied goal Burkina Faso scored was legitimate. The referee could have awarded two penalties to the minnows, but the tall Bance could have scored four times at least. At the end of the day, while the match could have been wrapped up in 90 minutes or at worst in extra time by the Burkina Faso, poetic justice was served in the penalty shootout as Ghana were sent packing 3-2.

The match was the most entertaining so far and above all, very mature. Ghana showed some discipline in their operation as each man reasonably covered their spaces effectively as they attacked purposefully but patiently. They exercised their influence in strictly keeping their shape and temperament at all times. While this made them effective in their passing game and their shape, it allowed Burkina Faso to operate better with their physical approach.

The Burkinabe then found spaces to function and moved forward in compact units that did not leave open spaces in both offence and defence. This improved their efficiency in passing and receiving the ball and hence their attacking power was greatly enhanced. 

Ghana did not have easy access as a result of how Burkina Faso responded to the conditions. It would take the Black Stars some clinical efficiency to dismantle this cohesive unit, which they did not. The ping-pong match became conducive to how the Burkinabe played as they were presented with obvious goal-scoring opportunities which they failed to convert in regulation and extra time. Bance was the chief culprit but he made amends with the equalising goal after Ghana led for most of the match, and he put away his cheeky penalty to the delight of the crowd at Mbombela Stadium.

By any measure, the defending by both teams was atrocious while the finishing was appalling. The gravity of the occasion could be to blame as the nerves took their toll. The passing and reception was a little above board bit the marksmen were guilty on poor first touches. Tackles were cleaner and solid while the marking was reasonably structured. I must particularly mention that Burkina Faso blasted the ball on many occasions when placing it safely into the net could have done the business. Bance was the chief culprit.

Nigeria were at another level when they dispatched Mali maliciously with a solid display of football that they dished out with an unforgiving attitude. Victor Moses played a superb game with his runs with and without the ball. More than their shape and discipline of the strategy, the Super Eagles were clinical. They did not create an avalanche of chances but put away the vital half-chanes coming their way to put Mali on the back foot.

The opening minutes were evenly balanced until the first three quick goals dismantled the Malians. Nigeria were better composed in midfield as they supplied cleaner balls to forwards. Their defensive shape forced long range shots from the Malian midfield and that desperation continued and grew worse after half-time.

After the fourth goal, Mali were presented with many obvious scoring chances which they fluffed. If they managed to put away two or three of them, it would be interesting to see how Nigeria would react. The Super Eagles were fairly solid and disciplined but Mali did not seem to push hard to repel the firepower that came their way.

Their game plan was different from what was noticed in their group stages, where they played very slowly and waited for single opportunities to pounce. This might have invited Nigerians to threaten more and harder and move forward. 

In both semi-finals, decision-making improved from what we saw at the beginning of the tournament but there was much room for improvement, especially in the final attacking third. All teams respected each other and placed many men behind the ball. The solid defensive shapes were broken down by individual brilliance of the midfielders.

One specific tactic Nigeria used was the Malian left back position of Taumbura. Taumbura was always offensive throughout the tournament and left yawning gaps behind. Moses exploited the cavity in that flank, something that we cried about that Thuso Phala of South Africa should have done in the quarter final. That gap was the single most used channel and source of all Nigerian attacks. How the Malian coach did not adjust or react to it was surprising. 

Mali got ripped easier than they deserved as their crumbled like a sand castle or a deck of cards. The efforts to fight back were met by tough resistance from the Nigerian midfield and defense while the heads dropped for the Malians, a death knell to their ambitions to conquer Africa. More telling between the two sides was the believe and determination and it boiled down to the psychological edge that the Super Eagles had over the Eagles of Mali. #

The bigger story was to come, the defeat of Ghana by minnows Burkina Faso, a small nation previously known as the Upper Volta, whose name was changed by one Captain Thomas Sankara, whose African renaissance spirit truly came to the party and pulled the revolutionary victory for the Burkinabe, the upright men.

Chipolopolo booking their early ticket home

As the Afcon champions, Zambia have placed themselves in a perfect spot to fail the defence of their title. A 1-1 draw with Nigeria stamped their departure date as the last day of the group stages, soon after their encounter with Burkina Faso.

Chipolopolo may buy time by netting a handsome tally against the ‘upright men’, the Burkinabe.  This is given, as all might have noticed the naivety of the fluent and free-flowing Ethiopians. The North Eastern nation plays well going forward, but their central midfield and central defence leak like a sieve.

Not that they leak, but are too confident, to the detriment of their overall performance. Nigerian will steam roll over them, especially if Steven Keshi is brave enough to field his fringe players who have nothing to lose but everything to gain.

The Zambian predicament is worsened by the one foot Burkina Faso has in the quarter-final after crushing Ethiopia 4-0. That score-line will be a confident booster and the physical West Africans will push the champions to the maximum.

By the same token, Ethiopia have no desire to play anymore and while that lack of pressure may be lethal, it will be wise to play them with a motivated side of fringe players who have a point to prove to the Nigerian population.

As of now, The Burkinabe and the Super Eagles are through, unless the former give it away in a silver platter.  

New football and the 'land of the upright men'

At the group stages of the AFCON 2013, take it that your team has a point at the first whistle. There is two elsewhere. The primary objective would then depend on who you are. One team is content with the single point already gained by donning the uniform and taking to the pitch. The other drops that point and chase all three from the word ‘go’.

Firstly, I have to say Africans are decent and civilised people. They excel in their being and in their coming in and going out. The barbaric crowd that hurled water bottles and vuvuzelas into the Mbombela Stadium football field when Zambia played Ethiopia are from another continent, maybe planet.

There is fresh football as firstly dished by Ethiopia when they disrespected the champions, Zambia, at the Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit, and then the way Burkina Faso refused to be bullied by a star-studded Nigeria. I admired Ethiopians football until their fans threw missiles into the field.

For starters, one has to admire the East Africans abandoning their home soil and sojourning to Nelspruit, which was turned into Addis Ababa. What was special about it was not the numbers, but the cheer and the noise they made for their team. Even after the match, they behaved like they won the AFCON Cup.

I was embarrassed, firstly by the pushing at the ‘park and ride’ bus and a man who got into the bus and blocked the way, refusing passage to other passengers, really for no apparent reason.  Then the throwing of items during the red-carding of the goalkeeper and the Chipolopolo was way too much.

The Ethiopian number 8 played a blinder as an individual, my player of the tournament so far. As a collective, the East Africans patiently assembled goal-side and let the Southern Africans play football at pace and until they stalled.

Their transition was as patient as the African champions scurried for cover, they found themselves in sixes and sevens as the patient and lubricated penetration proved smoother and more effective.

While this gave time to Zambia to regroup, the Zambians found themselves covering unnecessary spaces, exposing themselves to the exquisite touches of the Ethiopians. Chipolopolo came looking for a physical contest which the Ethiopians were never interested in. They subscribed to the short crisp passing and slow movement occasionally punctuated by a long ball.

Their undoing was shooting a pass too early during the early stages. One obvious aspect to their confidence was the deafening crowd. If they can receive the same support for their next two matches, they will be a huge problem for Nigerians.

Ethiopia opened the Zambian defence with deft touches and deliberate central balls and were never under siege themselves. Their earlier chance that saw the ball bounce over the bar, the naively and hastily taken penalty that was saved by Kennedy Mweene could have taken wind out of their sails, but was testimony of their intentions.

Once the Zambians scored through Collins Mbesuma, a goal resulting from poor concentration at the back, left the Ethiopians a little paralysed. The second half saw them restore their tempo and the inevitable goal came while there was still time for either team to win it.

The match was quite a decent affair and the spirit of the Zambian players and their commitment to tackles and chasing was rendered useless as Ethiopia dished out a brand of football that I always cry about.

The most interesting aspect of their brand of football can see them rented to pieces by finer and opportunistic teams like ruthless Nigeria. Depending on how the Super Eagles shape up on the day, they may be in trouble with the Ethiopians. That will be a match to watch for me.

The West Africans were stretched by the less known Burkina Faso. The minnows were physical and showed less respect to the former champions. The men from ‘the Land of the Upright’ fought gallantly and matched their men fighting tooth and nail.

The prospect of watching them play Ethiopia is appetising. The Burkinabe used the ball and the pitch width very well. They looked to create chances and pushed forward with reasonable force.

The belief in their own abilities was what made so much difficulty for the Nigerians to find the second goal despite that early opener. It was amazing how the Super Eagles could sleep on duty and concede in the last minute.

Judging by the way the Zambians and Nigerians went about their business, one has a feeling they did not hit top gear. The problem with that is, there may never have the opportunity to.

One cannot shake off the feeling that this may be a tournament of the minnows. In both matches, the contests of interests were unit against unit and tactical awareness was a little better, though, both giants, Zambia and Nigeria were guilty of, again, poor decisions at vital moments.

I repeat that football requires good decision-making skills, moment after moment by everyone. Those guilty of not meeting the demands will exit the 2013 AFCON before we enjoy their company. The fortunate part is that there is lack of wisdom to punish the poor decision makers.

How long that honeymoon will last remains to be seen. Many teams will rue that ineptness soon. At the end of the day, Africa must remain the land of the upright as the tourney steps up a gear and pressure mounts. Scenes at the Ethiopia versus Zambia match by the fans must never be tolerated.

     

FIFA over the Top?

The biggest news of the week, albeit on a negative note is Nigel De Jong's sliding tackle on Newcastle midfielder Hatem Ben Arfa's standing left leg in City's 2-1 Premier League victory on Sunday. Ben Arfa now requires surgery and Newcastle are stroking the FA  to punish the Dutchman whose coach backed him as a good professional and national coach, Bert van Marwijk has dropped him out of  his squad for the Euro 2012 qualifiers against Moldova and Sweden this week.

Nigeria qualified for the South Africa 2010 FIFA World Cup being coached by a local coach. They were playing good football, well, that is why they qualified anyway. The Nigeria Football Association replaced the good local with a bad foreign coach who made the team play rubbish. They were an embarrassment to Africa and their nationals. The government could not deal with the bitter taste of events in their mouths and rightly suspended the team from competing for 2 years.

FIFA threatened to endorse the decision by banning the Nigerian football indefinitely. The government must have been happy with that FIFA decision but surprisingly, the politicians developed cold feet and reneged on the threat which they actually withdrew. I am not sure why. Nigeria played really badly during the 2010 FIFA World Cup. With that kind of unfootballness of the national association both suspension should be enforced and not run concurrently.

FIFA made very sensible decision, only they were to eager to poke their nose. They should have let the government's ban run and then enforce theirs, and that is exactly what the country and many other African states need. Sanity must prevail so people can take the game seriously. FIFA's bans will usually run until the political interference is over. Well, they try to be hard while being soft and that is exactly what we get. These guys must get a working game plan.

Let's get back to the game. Kevin Davies of Bolton Wanderers is one of the most consistent strikers that I truly love. His injury bug is a major drawback for this workaholic. His English squad call up is well overdue and it is good that he will be rewarded. But is he going to baby sit youngsters that Jack Wilshire and Theo Walcott and David Johnson or he will actually represent?

FIFA over the Top?

The biggest news of the week, albeit on a negative note is Nigel De Jong's sliding tackle on Newcastle midfielder Hatem Ben Arfa's standing left leg in City's 2-1 Premier League victory on Sunday. Ben Arfa now requires surgery and Newcastle are stroking the FA  to punish the Dutchman whose coach backed him as a good professional and national coach, Bert van Marwijk has dropped him out of  his squad for the Euro 2012 qualifiers against Moldova and Sweden this week.

Nigeria qualified for the South Africa 2010 FIFA World Cup being coached by a local coach. They were playing good football, well, that is why they qualified anyway. The Nigeria Football Association replaced the good local with a bad foreign coach who made the team play rubbish. They were an embarrassment to Africa and their nationals. The government could not deal with the bitter taste of events in their mouths and rightly suspended the team from competing for 2 years.

FIFA threatened to endorse the decision by banning the Nigerian football indefinitely. The government must have been happy with that FIFA decision but surprisingly, the politicians developed cold feet and reneged on the threat which they actually withdrew. I am not sure why. Nigeria played really badly during the 2010 FIFA World Cup. With that kind of unfootballness of the national association both suspension should be enforced and not run concurrently.

FIFA made very sensible decision, only they were to eager to poke their nose. They should have let the government's ban run and then enforce theirs, and that is exactly what the country and many other African states need. Sanity must prevail so people can take the game seriously. FIFA's bans will usually run until the political interference is over. Well, they try to be hard while being soft and that is exactly what we get. These guys must get a working game plan.

Let's get back to the game. Kevin Davies of Bolton Wanderers is one of the most consistent strikers that I truly love. His injury bug is a major drawback for this workaholic. His English squad call up is well overdue and it is good that he will be rewarded. But is he going to baby sit youngsters that Jack Wilshire and Theo Walcott and David Johnson or he will actually represent?

FIFA over the Top?

The biggest news of the week, albeit on a negative note is Nigel De Jong's sliding tackle on Newcastle midfielder Hatem Ben Arfa's standing left leg in City's 2-1 Premier League victory on Sunday. Ben Arfa now requires surgery and Newcastle are stroking the FA  to punish the Dutchman whose coach backed him as a good professional and national coach, Bert van Marwijk has dropped him out of  his squad for the Euro 2012 qualifiers against Moldova and Sweden this week.

Nigeria qualified for the South Africa 2010 FIFA World Cup being coached by a local coach. They were playing good football, well, that is why they qualified anyway. The Nigeria Football Association replaced the good local with a bad foreign coach who made the team play rubbish. They were an embarrassment to Africa and their nationals. The government could not deal with the bitter taste of events in their mouths and rightly suspended the team from competing for 2 years.

FIFA threatened to endorse the decision by banning the Nigerian football indefinitely. The government must have been happy with that FIFA decision but surprisingly, the politicians developed cold feet and reneged on the threat which they actually withdrew. I am not sure why. Nigeria played really badly during the 2010 FIFA World Cup. With that kind of unfootballness of the national association both suspension should be enforced and not run concurrently.

FIFA made very sensible decision, only they were to eager to poke their nose. They should have let the government's ban run and then enforce theirs, and that is exactly what the country and many other African states need. Sanity must prevail so people can take the game seriously. FIFA's bans will usually run until the political interference is over. Well, they try to be hard while being soft and that is exactly what we get. These guys must get a working game plan.

Let's get back to the game. Kevin Davies of Bolton Wanderers is one of the most consistent strikers that I truly love. His injury bug is a major drawback for this workaholic. His English squad call up is well overdue and it is good that he will be rewarded. But is he going to baby sit youngsters that Jack Wilshire and Theo Walcott and David Johnson or he will actually represent?

FIFA over the Top?

The biggest news of the week, albeit on a negative note is Nigel De Jong's sliding tackle on Newcastle midfielder Hatem Ben Arfa's standing left leg in City's 2-1 Premier League victory on Sunday. Ben Arfa now requires surgery and Newcastle are stroking the FA  to punish the Dutchman whose coach backed him as a good professional and national coach, Bert van Marwijk has dropped him out of  his squad for the Euro 2012 qualifiers against Moldova and Sweden this week.

Nigeria qualified for the South Africa 2010 FIFA World Cup being coached by a local coach. They were playing good football, well, that is why they qualified anyway. The Nigeria Football Association replaced the good local with a bad foreign coach who made the team play rubbish. They were an embarrassment to Africa and their nationals. The government could not deal with the bitter taste of events in their mouths and rightly suspended the team from competing for 2 years.

FIFA threatened to endorse the decision by banning the Nigerian football indefinitely. The government must have been happy with that FIFA decision but surprisingly, the politicians developed cold feet and reneged on the threat which they actually withdrew. I am not sure why. Nigeria played really badly during the 2010 FIFA World Cup. With that kind of unfootballness of the national association both suspension should be enforced and not run concurrently.

FIFA made very sensible decision, only they were to eager to poke their nose. They should have let the government's ban run and then enforce theirs, and that is exactly what the country and many other African states need. Sanity must prevail so people can take the game seriously. FIFA's bans will usually run until the political interference is over. Well, they try to be hard while being soft and that is exactly what we get. These guys must get a working game plan.

Let's get back to the game. Kevin Davies of Bolton Wanderers is one of the most consistent strikers that I truly love. His injury bug is a major drawback for this workaholic. His English squad call up is well overdue and it is good that he will be rewarded. But is he going to baby sit youngsters that Jack Wilshire and Theo Walcott and David Johnson or he will actually represent?

FIFA over the Top?

The biggest news of the week, albeit on a negative note is Nigel De Jong's sliding tackle on Newcastle midfielder Hatem Ben Arfa's standing left leg in City's 2-1 Premier League victory on Sunday. Ben Arfa now requires surgery and Newcastle are stroking the FA  to punish the Dutchman whose coach backed him as a good professional and national coach, Bert van Marwijk has dropped him out of  his squad for the Euro 2012 qualifiers against Moldova and Sweden this week.

Nigeria qualified for the South Africa 2010 FIFA World Cup being coached by a local coach. They were playing good football, well, that is why they qualified anyway. The Nigeria Football Association replaced the good local with a bad foreign coach who made the team play rubbish. They were an embarrassment to Africa and their nationals. The government could not deal with the bitter taste of events in their mouths and rightly suspended the team from competing for 2 years.

FIFA threatened to endorse the decision by banning the Nigerian football indefinitely. The government must have been happy with that FIFA decision but surprisingly, the politicians developed cold feet and reneged on the threat which they actually withdrew. I am not sure why. Nigeria played really badly during the 2010 FIFA World Cup. With that kind of unfootballness of the national association both suspension should be enforced and not run concurrently.

FIFA made very sensible decision, only they were to eager to poke their nose. They should have let the government's ban run and then enforce theirs, and that is exactly what the country and many other African states need. Sanity must prevail so people can take the game seriously. FIFA's bans will usually run until the political interference is over. Well, they try to be hard while being soft and that is exactly what we get. These guys must get a working game plan.

Let's get back to the game. Kevin Davies of Bolton Wanderers is one of the most consistent strikers that I truly love. His injury bug is a major drawback for this workaholic. His English squad call up is well overdue and it is good that he will be rewarded. But is he going to baby sit youngsters that Jack Wilshire and Theo Walcott and David Johnson or he will actually represent?

Nigeria Makes History For Africa

The African continent is a proud people this year. While still basking from the glory of hosting 2010 FIFA World Cup for the first time ever in Africa, and with such aplomb, the FIFA Under-20 Women Cup final on Sunday will feature an African team, Nigeria who overcame Colombia 1-0 with a second minute goal in Bielefeld. They face hosts, Germany, who trounced Korea Republic 5-1.

Only a few months back, another African team made another African history by winning another version of the FIFA World Cup. Ghana youth team won the FIFA Under-20 World Cup that was held in Egypt. 

The beautiful Falconets took on their early chance, organised themselves and defended with their lives. Captain Joy Jegede, just inside the Columbian half, launched the ball into the penalty area where the high bounce evaded Paula Forero the goalkeeper and against the crossbar. Ebere Orji scored easily from the rebound.

The second half saw both teams struggle to set up chances. Colombia's confidence was visible later on, nearly succeeding in pushing Nigeria against the wall. They were also on target with 20 minutes to play, but when Africa's day arrives, not even Suarez could have saved them. Bazenzele!

Nigeria Makes History For Africa

The African continent is a proud people this year. While still basking from the glory of hosting 2010 FIFA World Cup for the first time ever in Africa, and with such aplomb, the FIFA Under-20 Women Cup final on Sunday will feature an African team, Nigeria who overcame Colombia 1-0 with a second minute goal in Bielefeld. They face hosts, Germany, who trounced Korea Republic 5-1.

Only a few months back, another African team made another African history by winning another version of the FIFA World Cup. Ghana youth team won the FIFA Under-20 World Cup that was held in Egypt. 

The beautiful Falconets took on their early chance, organised themselves and defended with their lives. Captain Joy Jegede, just inside the Columbian half, launched the ball into the penalty area where the high bounce evaded Paula Forero the goalkeeper and against the crossbar. Ebere Orji scored easily from the rebound.

The second half saw both teams struggle to set up chances. Colombia's confidence was visible later on, nearly succeeding in pushing Nigeria against the wall. They were also on target with 20 minutes to play, but when Africa's day arrives, not even Suarez could have saved them. Bazenzele!

Nigeria Is A Chicken.

Nigeria is a chicken. It is a very weak chicken indeed. FIFA coughed they trembled. Hahahahaha.

After a dismal performance in the 2010 FIFA World Cup, the President of Nigeria made a bold and applausable announcement to ban football for 2 years. This was meant to keep Nigeria from doing football while they put their house in order.

It was a noble idea to me because the Big Boys in African football administration always think they have big balls. I think football players have the bigger balls that are made of leather. Administrators indulge in squandering the money after all the interference and blunders they make. Nations bleed and cry.

So there is no need for any football to be done if it benefits the corrupt Nigerian Football Association or any other African association. It was quite innovative that they boldly cancelled the game.

The President suddenly developed into a chicken. FIFA gave him an ultimetum to reverse the ban or else.. The 'or else' was basically to say FIFA would ban Nigeria from international football. Usually the ban is for 2 years or until the political interference is no more.

To the surprise of the Nigerians ans FIFA, the President's development of cold feet came so quick and swift. Banning football in Nigeria by FIFA or President is the same. FIFA's ban was just consolidating the political interference, which was the sole purpose of the President. A double ban was surely better than none. From a non-existant threat to nothing, Nigeria has lost out.

Chicken Nigeria! Sis man.

Nigeria Is A Chicken.

Nigeria is a chicken. It is a very weak chicken indeed. FIFA coughed they trembled. Hahahahaha.

After a dismal performance in the 2010 FIFA World Cup, the President of Nigeria made a bold and applausable announcement to ban football for 2 years. This was meant to keep Nigeria from doing football while they put their house in order.

It was a noble idea to me because the Big Boys in African football administration always think they have big balls. I think football players have the bigger balls that are made of leather. Administrators indulge in squandering the money after all the interference and blunders they make. Nations bleed and cry.

So there is no need for any football to be done if it benefits the corrupt Nigerian Football Association or any other African association. It was quite innovative that they boldly cancelled the game.

The President suddenly developed into a chicken. FIFA gave him an ultimetum to reverse the ban or else.. The 'or else' was basically to say FIFA would ban Nigeria from international football. Usually the ban is for 2 years or until the political interference is no more.

To the surprise of the Nigerians ans FIFA, the President's development of cold feet came so quick and swift. Banning football in Nigeria by FIFA or President is the same. FIFA's ban was just consolidating the political interference, which was the sole purpose of the President. A double ban was surely better than none. From a non-existant threat to nothing, Nigeria has lost out.

Chicken Nigeria! Sis man.

2010 FIFA World Cup: So Far.

The South Africa 2010 FIFA World Cup has only 8 games to go. 56 games have been played. The highlights for fans and media were the refereeing decisions.

The most interesting and intriguing development so far is the Nigerian government's banning of football from international competition. This is meant to sort out the mess and the rot. In my view, 5/5. All African nations should be looking at that very seriously, or else, they must shape up now.

England have worse problems now than playing well in the World Cup. The Queen may do them the same favour and even cancel the Olympics. There is the opinion of Maradonising the English game. We all know that the only thing Diego has is his history, no technical or tactical know how for the legend. The nearest thing England has to Maradona is David Beckam.

David Beckam will need to get coaching qualification so as not to undermine the profession, but this is an ICU case. Fabio Capello had him in his armpit as a talisman. Those qualities are there. There is a long list of the "future of England" that include Milner, Ashley Young, Theo Walcott, Micah Richards and the like. They idolise this show-man guy. It will work while England sort out the mess.  

The elimination of France by South Africa, reigning world champions, Italy failing to pass the first round after drawing with New Zealand and losing to Slovenia and England's record defeat in the World Cup, losing 1-4 to Germany and Ghana's qualification into the quarters after beating USA were other big stories.

At this point, the best players in the world have not yet proved their worth. Kaka is still to score, so is Messi and the departed pair of Rooney and Ronaldo.

The FIFA technical committee consisting of coaches and instructors will be compiling a technical report of these games. I am not sure what issues they will pick up. The systems and formations will be under scrutiny. The general progress of the game will be evaluated.

What has been your personal take and observations thus far?

2010 FIFA World Cup: So Far.

The South Africa 2010 FIFA World Cup has only 8 games to go. 56 games have been played. The highlights for fans and media were the refereeing decisions.

The most interesting and intriguing development so far is the Nigerian government's banning of football from international competition. This is meant to sort out the mess and the rot. In my view, 5/5. All African nations should be looking at that very seriously, or else, they must shape up now.

England have worse problems now than playing well in the World Cup. The Queen may do them the same favour and even cancel the Olympics. There is the opinion of Maradonising the English game. We all know that the only thing Diego has is his history, no technical or tactical know how for the legend. The nearest thing England has to Maradona is David Beckam.

David Beckam will need to get coaching qualification so as not to undermine the profession, but this is an ICU case. Fabio Capello had him in his armpit as a talisman. Those qualities are there. There is a long list of the "future of England" that include Milner, Ashley Young, Theo Walcott, Micah Richards and the like. They idolise this show-man guy. It will work while England sort out the mess.  

The elimination of France by South Africa, reigning world champions, Italy failing to pass the first round after drawing with New Zealand and losing to Slovenia and England's record defeat in the World Cup, losing 1-4 to Germany and Ghana's qualification into the quarters after beating USA were other big stories.

At this point, the best players in the world have not yet proved their worth. Kaka is still to score, so is Messi and the departed pair of Rooney and Ronaldo.

The FIFA technical committee consisting of coaches and instructors will be compiling a technical report of these games. I am not sure what issues they will pick up. The systems and formations will be under scrutiny. The general progress of the game will be evaluated.

What has been your personal take and observations thus far?