NIGERIA: Nigerians disappointed with soccer defeat by Egypt at the African Cup of Nations

Record ID: 235222

  • Title: NIGERIA: Nigerians disappointed with soccer defeat by Egypt at the African Cup of Nations
  • Date: 13th January 2010
  • Summary: LAGOS, NIGERIA (JANUARY 13, 2010) (REUTERS) SKYLINE OF LAGOS CITY PEDESTRIANS ON BUSY STREET
  • Embargoed: 28th January 2010 12:00
  • Keywords:
  • Location: Nigeria
  • Country: Nigeria
  • Topics: Sports
  • Reuters ID: LVAELIHMQZ7QCYUFGG2F6POPPNQW
  • Story Text: Nigerians in Lagos expressed disappointment on Wednesday (January 13) after their national soccer squad was defeated by Egypt.
    Holders Egypt, seeking an unprecedented third successive African Nations Cup title, made a convincing start by defeating Nigeria 3-1 on Tuesday (January 12).
    Egypt, who failed to qualify for the World Cup finals later this year after losing a playoff to Algeria, trailed to a fine 12th minute strike from Nigeria's Chinedu Obasi. The striker cut inside the Egypt defence to score with a powerful shot after a pacy run.
    But, inspired by their 35-year-old captain Ahmed Hassan, Egypt fought back to equalise through Emad Moteab and then went onto score two more goals in the second half.
    Hassan made it 2-1 in the 54th minute with a wicked deflection off Taye Taiwo and substitute Mohamed Nagui made sure of the win three minutes from the end.
    Newspapers in Nigeria reflected the national mood with headlines that read: "Egypt Crush Sorry Eagles".
    Austin Njoku, a Lagos-based banker said he was unhappy with the Eagles performance and called for more dedication from the players.
    "We are known for our great enthusiasm when it comes to football, and bringing glory or bringing the trophy to this country. Where is that enthusiasm? It is no more there. These guys should be filled back with that enthusiasm and play the match the way it is supposed to be played and bringing back that trophy into this country because at this point in time we need that trophy," Njoku said.
    Ugochukwu Ichilefu, a business man in Lagos could not hide his anger and called for the national soccer coach to be replaced.
    "The problem it the coach, the coach. Our players are alright. It's only the coach. We don't have a coach," Ichilefu said.
    Ben Okoroji, a soccer commentator, said he hoped the team would come back and face Egypt again in the finals, with Nigeria emerging victorious.
    "Individually the Nigerian side, traditionally we are we are good. I am not saying this because I am a Nigerian. Traditionally the Nigerian side is good and on paper when you check the history, Nigeria lost to Egypt just once in seven competitive games in the nations cup and we won the rest," he said.
    Group D gets underway later on Wednesday in Lubango when Cameroon take on Gabon (1600GMT) and Tunisia meet Zambia (1830GMT).
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