Lessons from Angola 2010 Nations Cup

The maiden edition of African nations Cup was organized by the Confederation of African Football [CAF] hosted by Sudan in 1957 which was eventually won by the Pharaohs of Egypt. Since in ception, over 26 countries had hosted it and the Angola edition made it 27th edition. The 27th edition of the tournament hosted by Angola between the January 2010 was a huge success especially by the host country.Albeit, before the tournament started, the gale was that the gold would be won by the favorite countries such as the defending champions, Pharaohs of Egypt, CotedeIvoire, the Black Stars of Ghana, the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon and the Super Eagles of Nigeria. As the tournament kicked off in Luanda the Angolan capital the game between the host nation and Mali was full of anxiety and suspense as the host country almost ran away with victory but suddenly the match ended 4-4 draw. The most shocked match played was the match between Malawi and Algeria which ended 3-. Another shocker was the 1-0 beaten of Samuel Eto’s Indomitable Lions of Cameroon by the Gabonese national side. The surprises witnessed proved that the African soccer has improved and is no longer what it used to be I give kudos to these countries that produced great stars such as Ahmed Hassan of Egypt, Tico Tico of Mozambique, Micheal Essien of Ghana, Didier Drogba of CotedeIvoire, Samuel Eto of Cameroon, Osaze Odemwingie of Nigeria and others. It is no doubt that these African stars are found in some of top European club sides and these exposures by African players in European clubs are what it takes to challenge their European counter parts. The experience of African players in various European clubs are what aided the development of African soccer and those underdogs in African soccer. Furthermore, the Angola 2010 nations Cup taught so many lessons which cannot be forgotten easily. Drogbas led Ivory Coast was edged out of the tournament in the quarter finals by Desert Foxes of Algeria while Samuel Eto’s side was beaten by Egypt. The host country gave good account of it self as they were eliminated by The Black Stars of Ghana in the quarter finals as well. The Ghana Black Stars that paraded some young talents that won under 20 World cup last year beat the Super Eagles of Nigeria 1-0 Nigeria did not perform poorly though the chief coach,Amodu Shuaibu promised to take the team to the semi-finals of the tournament which he achieved and from the Nigerian soccer fans, the team was a write of due to lack of fitness and not committed to national assignment. But be it as it may, the Super Eagles is a team to reckon with in African football. They have gone to the extent of win-win approach and not mere participation. That is why an average Nigerian soccer fan felt sad when Super Eagles failed. The 1994 Nations Cup hosted by Tunisia was the peak of Nigerian Super Eagles. The team that paraded stars like Stephen Keshi, Uche Okechukwu, Sunday Oliseh, Daniel Amokachi, Rashidi Yekini, Emmanuel Amuneke and others defeated Zambian national team 2-1 in the final to win our second edition of the gold after the 1980 edition which we hosted and won. The 1994 squad was the same team that conquered the World at the U.S.A 1994 World Cup which was Nigerians first ever qualification at the World cup and we got to the second round of the tournament. Nigeria was also at Atlanta 96 Olympics games soccer event and the under- 23 team won our first ever gold medal in the history of Olympic games. After our remarkable achievement in the past in the field of soccer, it is unfortunate that our senior national team has performed below expectations. It is a pity that despite our multi- talented materials, the Super Eagles is no longer what it used to be due to the fact non professional personnel that have been running  the football house. Consequently, when we failed the coaching crew became the scapegoat. Our problems in the senior national team is not the coaching crew but rather, the football authority. The Angola 2010 Nations Cup further exposed our inadequacies in the team and it is now left for us to go back to the drawing board and makes some amendment before the World Cup to be hosted in African soil in South Africa this June. The agitation for the removal of Amodu Shuaibu is not a welcome development instead he should remain as chief coach and work together with whom ever the NFF wishes to employ. There is speculation that the Egyptian coach, Sheahata has been contacted to handle the team on temporary basis till after the World Cup. Nigerian soccer fans want changes irrespective of who NFF wants to employ as the head coach of our senior national team.However.the Angola nations cup was full of surprises, anxieties, and suspense and it will remain memorable in years to come. My heart also goes to the Togolese national team that lost their beloved ones in the shooting, may their souls rest in peace.CAF decision to ban Togo from participating in the nations cup in the next four years should be revisited and temper justice with mercy hence the tragedy could befall any team end there was no choice than to pull out which was the right decision to do. Egyptians have done Africa proud despite the non inclusion of their stars, they went ahead and won the nations cup three consecutives times making it seven times. Though they did not qualified to the World cup but these footprints would remain in the sand of history as far as African football is concerned.Sheahata led team is the team of the moment and I urge every soccer lover nations to emulate this team that has brought peace, love and honour to their country and Africa at large. I dream that one day we shall have a formidable team that can face any opponent in the World. I dream that one day the Super Eagles of Nigeria will win the World cup and finally, I dream that one day the Super Eagles shall be like Sheahata led pharaohs of Egypt ans no doubt that there is light at the end of the tunnel.