By Tony Ubani, in South Africa
Nigeria’s disjointed run at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, yesterday, came to an end after the Green Eagles were held to a 2-2 draw by South Korea in Durban, a result that ensured that the Koreans, joined Argentina to qualify for the second round.

down 'N' OUT ... Eagles players bemoaning their fate yesterday as they crashed out of the World Cup after drawing 2-2 with South Korea. Photo: Sylva Eleanya

With Nigeria needing an outright win while hoping for an Argentine victory over Greece in the other fixture held simultaneously last night, the coach Lars Lagerback-tutored eagles side fell short of expectations, becoming the third African team to crash out of the tournament holding for the first time on the continent.

In what would go down as  the worst Eagles set in recent history, what went down yesterday would mark a watershed in the history of Nigerian football as fans start to come to terms with what has become of Nigerian football.

Greece had started the game with three points and a draw could have been enough if South Korea lost to Nigeria but the news from Durban, late in the games, was not good. They were losing 2-0 to a Lionel Messi-inspired Argentine side.

Nigeria started well with a 12th minute strike from Ike Uche but Lee Jung-Soo levelled before the interval and Park Chu-Young shot them ahead after the break with a direct free-kick which sneaked around the end of the defensive wall and inside a post.

Thus, heading well into the second half, it was the Koreans who were going through on Argentina’s coat tails even after they conceded a 69th-minute penalty which Yakubu converted.
The Eagles lacked fitness.