Eagles need a miracle against Ghana, Sofoluwe

By Jacob Ajom
Former Green Eaglesdefender, Yisa Sofoluwe has said the Eagles need a miracle to progress to the final of the on-going Africa Cup of Nations and expressed dismay over the sloppy display the Nigerian national team had been putting up in Angola.

EAGLESSpeaking on today’s semi final clash between the Amodu Shaibu tutored team and The Black Stars of Ghana in Luanda, the former international described the encounter as crucial, but wondered whether Nigeria had the capacity to contain the youthful Ghanaian team.

Sofoluwe adviced coach Amodu  not to feature Everton striker, Yakubu Ayegbeni in the starting line-up if the coach wanted the result he desired.

In total rejection of the former Julius Berger attacker, Sofoluwe said, “I don’t know whether the coach would start with Ayegbeni. My candid view is that he should not start. In fact, Ayegbeni would not make my team if I were the national team handler. He has shown total lack of commitment and is off form. He shouldn’t be in camp at all.”

He observed that the problem with the team was total as even the midfield had failed to give the defence the desired protection and feed the attack appropriately. “That is why their play lacks coordination and purpose. They must raise their game if they hope to reach the final,” he remarked.

Yisa, who was fondly called ‘The Defence Minister’ in his active days, reckoned that he foresaw  more problems in the team, particularly with the absence of central defender, Onyekachi Apam who is serving a suspension after he was red carded in their penalty victory over the Chipolopolo of Zambia on Monday.

“I don’t know what will happen in the defence. I feel Uche Kalu could play well in the defence, Amodu should draft him there to achieve stablility. But my candid view about the match is we need a miracle to beat Ghana,” he concluded.