...As much as I won't be disappointed if we do not win the Olympic Gold,I would love to see Nigeria qualify from the group.If anything,we MUST beat the United States,even if just for bragging rights.The US is going to prove to be a very very difficult team to beat because they're very organised.Besides that,they also come with some serious talent...gone are the days when the Yanks didn't have talented footballers...Freddy Adu,Josey Altindore and a few others will prove to be a handful for our guys.However,with the right selection,I expect us to win.
As far as our team is concerned,it will be interesting to see how well we can do without Mikel Obi.I understand he's been left out of the team,maybe this will reveal the next batch of midfielders,who knows?He was instrumental in the 2005 Silver but his influence in the team has waned recently due to lack of appearance.Emmanuel Ekpo,from what I understand,is also a very good and fluid midfielder---I can't say I've noticed his football even when the South Africa match was televised because the Amagluglug ran rings around our midfield a few times.I was not impressed by the airballs we kept playing as if we were in a rush to get the ball upfront too quickly.The South Africans were more purposeful in their team play even though individually we had better footballers on the field.I really think the Dream Team showed the same deficiencies the Super Eagles have:A weak midfield.
To remedy that I think some fresh legs are needed and needed to be present.Olufemi Oladapo and Emmanuel Ekpo are believed to be our two best midfielders,with the likes of Haruna Lukman,Issa and Rabiu Ibrahim could have the needed looks.The fact that Osaze has also been penned for the Olympics will really help our cause in the midfield as he brings experience.Upfront,I've never been in favor of Isaac Okoronkwo as dude will miss 18 chances before nailing one.Promise Isaac also needs to stop wasting Promising chances
if he's going to seal his place because as far as the future in the Eagles is concerned,guys like Chrisantus and Anichebe are relishing their chances as viable options.Ogbuke needs to be more creative and purposeful on the wings.I will like to see Obinna Nsofor in Beijing too after the final roster is made.But in all,we have a lot of solid players,hence we should do well
Pa