As reactions continue to trail Super Eagles 2023 AFCON semi-final berth, a former Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) presidential candidate, Hon. Lumumba Dah Adeh, has said the three-time African champions played below expectations in their quarter-final clash with Angola.
The Super Eagles managed to squeeze past the Palancas Negras of Angola 1-0 last Friday after Ademola Lookman scored in the 41st minute to set up Wednesday’s semi-final clash with the Bafana Bafana of South Africa.
Speaking to Daily Trust yesterday, the former member of the House of Representatives, congratulated the Super Eagles on the quarter-final victory but opined that the Jose Peseiro boys didn’t perform optimally.
He said the Super Eagles failed to reenact the attitude they exhibited in the second group match against the Elephants of Cote d’ Ivoire.
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Lumumba observed that the Super Eagles played against Angola like players who had over-celebrated their victories against Cote d’ Ivoire and Cameroon.
“I congratulate the Super Eagles for reaching the AFCON semi-finals after a long time. But I must say I was disappointed with their outing against Angola.
“They failed to maintain the attitude they showed in the match against Cote d’ Ivoire. If they did, they would have beaten Angola convincingly.
“I think they were overwhelmed by the show of appreciation and support from Nigerians. Maybe, it got into their heads and made it difficult for them to put their acts together.
“But they must maintain their focus and get the job done in their next match,” he said.
Lumumba also said he was happy that South Africa survived Cape Verde scare to meet the Super Eagles in the semi-final.
According to him, the Super Eagles would have found the giant killers, Cape Verde a hard nut to crack.
“It is good that the Super Eagles are going to meet South Africa who are familiar foes. Honestly, the Cape Verdeans are technically better and would have posed a serious challenge.
“We always have physiological edge when it comes to South Africa. They are never comfortable playing against us. So, I believe that is going to work in our favour.
“Like it is said in local parlance, South Africa ‘na our wives’. They are our ‘customers’, so beating them is usually easy,” said Lumumba.
