Why Super Eagles may not qualify for World Cup despite 1-1 draw

Nigerians squirmed for 90 minutes on Tuesday evening as their national team drew 1-1 with Cape Verde in their final 2022 World Cup qualifying match.

They were humiliated by Central African Republic before barely edging past Cape Verde.

They will face one of Senegal, Morocco, Egypt, Algeria, Ghana, Mali, or the Democratic Republic of the Congo in the playoffs.

These are legitimate African heavyweights. There are only five tickets available.

With Gernot Rohr’s coaching, it shouldn’t come as a surprise if the Eagles falter.

Rohr has consistently lied in order to deceive. His tactical blueprint is hazy, and his in-game management falls short.

Nigeria has consistently failed to dominate and impose their game on smaller teams. What makes you think they’ll be able to pull it off against Mo Salah and Co? Or Algeria, with Mahrez and his pals?

This is the question that the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) should be debating in the coming weeks.

Every Nigeria game now seems to be accompanied by a general sense of discontent, with the cup always feeling half-empty rather than half-full.

No, fans are not spoilt brats.

Their complaints are valid both during and after Super Eagles games. When the game is on, they see very little to cheer about, and there are few positives to be found in the aftermath.

In general, victories are amassed, but a general sense of unfulfillment persists.

Anyone perceived to be in Rohr’s corner could easily spin four wins from five and an anomalous defeat against the Central African Republic in a positive light.

However, a closer examination of the results and, more importantly, performances reveals a more complete picture.

The first 2-0 victory over Liberia was due to Kelechi Iheanacho’s brilliance from nothing, the 2-1 victory in Cape Verde was a shambles, and Saturday’s 2-0 victory over Peter Butler’s Lone Stars was yet another shambles.