Intimidating performance: The Eagles flew and the Elephants docked.

Allow me a moment to cut deep my pineapple before speaking on the just concluded game between the Super Eagles of Nigeria and the Elephants of Cote d’Ivoire. Thank you for your patience! Now, i want you to get this because thats the big take-away some of you might be getting from this and i probably will never say it again – The Elephants really tried in the game. Got it? Nice! So now i can proceed.

Well, just like the animal itself, slow in movement, reluctant in getting things done even when it can, strong but often never wants to put its strength to use etc, that was what i saw in the game today. Mehn! Cote d’Ivoire came with squad of players with international exposure to big clubs, in fact, they could be referred to the Galacticcus. Before the game, Ebue, one of Cote d ‘Ivoire’s self acclaimed top man insulted Nigeria – That in a country of over 150 million people, Mikel Obi of Chelsea is the only top player she has. I am definitely sure that where ever he is now, he must be licking his wound, the wound that same Mikel he talked about gave him.

Right from the beginning of the game till the end, both side where remarkably impressive. For the victors, Super Eagles, they moved like gladiators in the arena, with style, charisma and prestige. They handled ball like the true Nigerian they are, played like a selected combined stars from Barcelona, Manchester United Real Madrid, Arsenal and Chelsea, i bet that was why the Elephants of Cote d’Ivoire never saw them coming.

The moment of their first goal was terrific, expected and over due due to their impressive performances.

The Elephants on the other hand played with zeal, tenacity and hope, but in the end, the bell of choice sounded and they choose to lose. Wait! Did they actually choose to lose or Super Eagles compelled them to lose? I don’t seem to remember how it happened…the bit i still recall was that i saw Didie Drogba crying, Yaya Toure tighted up his fist as if he was waiting to be angered by one of the celebrating Nigerian fans, while Solomon Kalou hugged-tight the arm of Kolo Toure who played from the bench.

The Super Eagles of Nigeria has always been a strong contender in any tournament, this really did not come to me as a surprise, i know could do it and now, they proved me right. If they continue on this pace, the AFCON CUP for 2013 is coming back home. The performance today was brilliant, entertaining and thrilling. After the suspense, came a surprise that was satisfactory.

Well done Super Eagles, now i know you can still fly.