Thoughts on the Nigeria Game + The Star Struck OX

Top of the morning to y’all

First of all I will like to extend my condolences to the families of the victims of the plane crash that rocked the city of Lagos yesterday and most especially to my darling Adeola whose uncle was on the ill-fated flight that crashed into a building in Iju area yesterday. May God grant her family and those of all other passengers and crew that were on the plane the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

Right onto football matters, and the Nigerian National team played their first world cup qualifier against Namibia yesterday and it took an 80^th minute goal from Ike Uche to secure all three points from the tie after the team squandered several chances to score. It was a good victory though as the team is going through a rebuilding phase after failing to qualify for the last African cup of Nations tournament in January.

The appointment of a new coach and the influx of new players both from the local and international leagues is naturally bound to cause some imbalance in the team as they are not used to playing together and am sure the more they train and play more competitive matched together, the more cohesion they will gain and maybe reclaim their place at the top of African football rankings.

It was very good to see the like of John Utaka and Victor Moses playing for the national team as they are two of Nigeria's best players in Europe in the past season. Utaka was a prominent figure for a championship winning side in France while Moses helped Wigan Athletic in their push to secure premier league status in the second half of last season. I definitely have high hopes for this team as they have quality players to not only qualify for the next world cup in Brazil but also to give a good showing in the tournament.

In Arsenal news, (which is very scarce these days) Alex Oxlade Chamberlain is living is dream and is enjoying playing with his England heroes everyday on England duty. An obviously star struck Ox said

At first, it was daunting training with my heroes. But you soon come around and realise they are human beings and here to do a job. They are all top lads, all friendly boys and we are all there to play football for our country.

I really like the Ox very talented, fearless, loveable and most importantly always willing to learn and improve which are qualities every young footballer should have to become a world class player. His experience at the Euros will be invaluable to him and to us at Arsenal next season. playing with the likes of Gerrard, Lampard, Rooney, is a big privilege for a young player and the experience will greatly help his development for the future. He also said about his transition from championship football player to national team star in the past 12 months

It has been a whirlwind 12 months. I remember playing in games for Southampton like Dagenham & Redbridge away, on a cold Tuesday. I was sat with my best friend who said it is unbelievable how two years ago we were in there watching it and now next tournament, you are with all the boys. This puts stuff into perspective. It has been an amazing journey. I want to work hard and make my future bright.

It’s hard not to like the lad with his enthusiasm and passion for the game. But the most important thing at this stage is his development. It should be gradual. Like he said, his future is bright but we should not because of that go to sleep and believe that he is the finished product or the next big thing after Leo Messi. Let him just keep playing game after game while professional advice should be chipped in at regularly and am sure that the sky will not just be the limit but a stepping stone.

Till Wednesday when I bring you another edition, God Bless the Arsenal, Iree o