Motiu Adepoju Begs For ‘Wingless’ Eagles
Admits Leone Stars’ draw dreadful, but pardonable
One of Nigeria’s football greats, Mutiu Adepoju wants Nigerian fans to keep faith with the Super Eagles despite their disappointing performance against Leone Stars of Sierra Leone.
The ex-international posted a message on social media encouraging supporters to stick with the team after their 4-4 draw in the 2021 African Nations Cup qualifier gave many a nightmarish weekend menu.
Having in mind that soccer fans are so furious with the Coach Gernot Rohr’s Eagles following their wretched outing against the struggling West African team, Motiu appealed for understanding from angry fans
The former Real Madrid and Racing Santander star post to calm the frayed nerves of fans, livid with anger, said; “Every game comes with its lessons and this game against Sierra Leone is one of them.”
Adepoju further tweeted; “A match is not won until the final whistle is blown. Fellow Nigerians, I appeal to you that we keep supporting our dear Super Eagles and I strongly believe they will bounce back in the return leg.”
The man, whose heading prowess got him the nickname; “The Headmaster” during his hey days playing club football and as a National team striker, is quite confidence of positives going forward. He sees the Eagles coming out victorious in the return leg tie which is four days away
A lethargic display by the Eagles allowed Coach John Keister led side to depart the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium with a valuable point. After going down 4-0 within the first 35 minutes of play, the visitors clawed back to end the match 4-4 with substitute Al-Hadji Kamara beating goalkeeper Maduka Okoye twice.
Nigeria also suffered injury scare in the encounter with Napoli’s striker Victor Osimhen stretchered off the pitch after suffering wrist injury.
He remains a major doubt for the reverse fixture taking place in Free Town on Tuesday, November 17, 2020
The three-time African champions still lead Group L having seven points from three games. With two games to spare, victory in Freetown will see the Eagles berthing at the bi-ennial Continental football showpiece to be hosted by Cameroon next year
Appearing at the Nation Cup finals 18 times, Nigeria has won the coveted trophy thrice. their most recent victory being at the 2013 edition hosted by South Africa. There, they defeated Paul Put’s Burkina Faso 1-0 at the FNB Stadium, Johannesburg to lift the diadem
At the 2019 edition hosted in Egypt, the Super Eagles came home with a bronze medal after beating Carthage Eagles of Tunisia 1-0 in their third-place showdown in Cairo.
For Sierra Leone, they are seeking their third appearance at the continental soccer fiesta. Their last outing was at the 1996 edition staged in South Africa where they crashed out in the group stage after winning a game and losing twice. – With Goal.com
