Despite Nigeria’s Super Eagles absence at the ongoing FIFA World Cup in Qatar, Nigerians in the United Kingdom are excited to watch the global football showpiece. The tournament which kicked off in eight newly built stadiums in Qatar on Sunday, November 20, had witnessed surprising results with favourites Argentina and Germany stunned by Saudi Arabia and Japan in their opening games respectively.
Recall that the three-times African champions Super Eagles failed to qualify for Qatar 2022 World Cup on away goal rule having played 0-0 draw in Ghana and 1-1 draw in Abuja in March Reacting to the ongoing Mundial Nigerians in London who took turns to speak to LEADERSHIP Sports expressed excitement on the show of brilliance from the participating countries so far despite Super Eagles not flying the Nigeria’s flag in Qatar.
According to Temi Igbekele “Alonso” who was disappointed about the Super Eagles absence however said that some of the underdogs have given good account and have shown the world the qualities they are made of. “It has been an amazing watch and special show for the underdogs looking at Saudi Arabia, Iran and Japan. I wished the Super Eagles were playing in the World Cup but we are still enjoying it. I think Brazil, Argentina and Spain stand a chance to win the World Cup.
“I am a Liverpool fan, I think Trent Alexander-Arnold and Phil Foden should be given playing time in the England squad because of the attacking abilities and dynamic they possess,” he said. According to Ojerime Oghenejode , who rude Nigeria miss called for the total overhauling of the Super Eagles team.
“Super Eagles are bad right now, we had a good team in 2010, 2014 and 2018. When you look at the Nigeria team now you can only see Victor Osimhen to be the best player. We have not had a proper defensive unit, we need a new breed of players in our defense to improve on our goals scoring then we can say we have a Super Eagles team that we all will be proud of.”
On who will win the World Cup title, “It’s still early to say that the World Cup is not interesting, I like the fact that Argentina lost to Saudi Arabia and also Germany lost to Japan. I would like to see how far the underdogs can go. I am rooting for teams who have never won the World Cup before to win this edition,” he said.
Olakunle Sunmon,stated that following the Nigeria miss in the tournament he would supporting England to win the World Cup for the second time after their triumph in 1966
“It sad that Nigeria is not in the World Cup, but I see the England with the quality in their squad to win the World Cup, it’s coming home. We want to see the like of Phil Foden given enough playing times, but I think Southgate feed him in as the tournament progresses”.
Tomi Olafemi, said will be throwing his support for the African teams but tipped England to win the World Cup.
“Not a fan of Nigeria alone I support the African teams. So when I see them perform I am quite impressed. The like of Ghana who took our spot, Senegal and the rest of African team have been impressive despite Nigeria is not in the World Cup I am happy with the performances of the African teams so far.
“Expected the unexpected in the World Cup, that’s the beauty of football, I am looking to more upset happening at the World Cup. I am supporting the England to win the World Cup” he added.
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