SOCCER NOSTALGIA — TO GOD BE THE GLORY! 🇳🇬⚽_ BY PROFESSOR OMOTAYO

Mathematical Segun Odegbami scored the first goal from a throw-in on the left flank after Chairman Christian Chukwu’s long throw was kicked out of play by an Algerian player, though without any pressure (instead of winning the ball). The resultant throw-in was chested down by Odegbami, who flicked the ball with his right leg into the top left corner of the Algerian goal. Nigeria was one goal up.

The Algerians put Nigeria under pressure, even hitting the bar from a cross on the left flank through Assad Salah. Meanwhile, Segun Odegbami was fantastic on the right flank, while Adokiye Amiesimaka was ferocious on the left. Felix Owolabi, the most charismatic player on the field, troubled the entire Algerian defence, and players like Ali Fergani and Mustapha Dahleb had little or no answer.

The second goal came through a free kick. Chairman Christian Chukwu delivered a long ball, Aloysius Atuegbu headed it, and Mathematical Oluwasegun Odegbami slid in the second goal into the lower left corner of the Algerian net. Nigeria was 2–0 up.

The Nigerian defence, under the command of Chairman Christian Chukwu, alongside Tunde Bamidele, Adele, and Okey Isima (“Quicksilver”), stood their ground, while Best Ogedegbe was at his best that day. Players like Belloumi and Bencheikh could not break down the defence.

Early in the second half, Felix Owolabi (“Owoblow”) and Chief Justice Adokiye Amiesimaka combined well. Owolabi’s ferocious left-footer from the left flank was parried by the goalkeeper, but fortunately Mudashiru Babatunde Lawal (the midfield maestro) was there to tap it in. Nigeria 3–0.

The remaining time was used to consolidate the victory. It happened just five months after Nigeria’s return to democracy following 13 years of military rule. It was a glorious moment—one of the best in Nigeria’s soccer history.

© PROFESSOR OMOTAYO O. TOPE 

Professor of Ageing and Retirement

Founder, Centre for Ageing and Retirement Foundation (CARF)