Skip to main contentAccess keys helpA-Z index

[an error occurred while processing this directive]
| Help

---------------
---------------
CHOOSE A SPORT
 
RELATED BBC SITES
Last Updated: Monday, 23 June, 2003, 14:08 GMT 15:08 UK
Chukwu under fire
By Eniwoke Ibagere
BBC Sport, Lagos

Nigeria FA secretary general Taiwo Ogunjobi
Ogunjobi criticised Nigeria's gameplan

After their 2-2 draw against Angola on Saturday, Nigeria FA secretary-general Taiwo Ogunjobi said there would be no more 'experimenting' with the Super Eagles.

Coach Christian Chukwu selected a second-string side for their final Nations Cup qualifying tie.

The draw gave Nigeria the required one point to qualify for the tournament in Tunisia.

But it was the Eagles' worst outing in recent times.

The hurriedly assembled side was 2-0 down after 54 minutes, as the team lacked cohesion and co-ordination.

Wing-back Ifeanyi Udeze, expelled from the game for fighting, was the only known name in the side.

How would I have explained a loss to the Angolans?
Taiwo Ogunjobi

"Our era of experimentation is over," Ogunjobi told reporters in mid-western Benin City.

"This mistake [of using a second-string side] could have cost us a lot of things.

"How would I have explained a loss to the Angolans?," asked Ogunjobi.

Eagles coach Christian Chukwu said he was resting key players because only one point was needed to qualify.

But a section of Nigeria's critical media and soccer fans have called for Chukwu's sacking.

"It is now clear that before and during the Eagles matches, Chukwu never has a game plan," the Lagos-based Guardian newspaper wrote in its Monday edition.

Some fans have accused Chukwu of ethnic bias, saying his team selections were in favour of players from his native Ibo-speaking ethnic group.

"At least nine of those in the starting line-up against Angola were Ibos," said football analyst Godwin Akpodonor.

The result against Angola also intensified demands for the appointment of an expatriate coach for the Super Eagles.

NFA sources said a board meeting is planned for July where the appointment of a foreign manager will be high on the agenda.


SEE ALSO
Nigeria's lucky escape
21 Jun 03  |  African

E-mail services | Sport on mobiles/PDAs

MMIX

Back to top

Sport Homepage | Football | Cricket | Rugby Union | Rugby League | Tennis | Golf | Motorsport | Boxing | Athletics | Snooker | Horse Racing | Cycling | Disability sport | Olympics 2012 | Sport Relief | Other sport...

BBC Sport Academy >> | BBC News >> | BBC Weather >>
About the BBC | News sources | Privacy & Cookies Policy | Contact us
bannerwatch listenbbc sport