Nigeria 0:0 Senegal (3:1 on Penalties) Retrospective Reflection

The Flying Eagles did exceptionally well to overcome an obdurate Senegal in the quarter finals thereby sealing their world cup qualification.

Though I remain unconvinced at their physical brand of football, it's nonetheless difficult to be too critical of a system that constantly delivers the goods against the odds to defeat opponents who themselves harbour ambitions.

Two players that caugh the eye against Senegal were Arierhi and Oliseh. They both burnt with excitement and fascinating ferocity. They were incandescent, bullish and fizzling in how they covered grounds, created openings and caused no end of headache for the Senegal defence line.

Shame these two couldn't crown their efforts with the goals in open play that their devotion and dedication deserved.

The other players, as to be expected, gave an arm and a leg, and left everything in there in pursuit of their mission and objectives which paid off after Senegal were atrocious and abject in taking penalties.

The Flying Eagles will lose and regain possession like a yo-yo in this game. They were never one to give up on a lost course: Like a child who never lets go of their toys and will do everything to keep their lollipop in their mouth.

I also have to mention goalkeeper Harcourt who, despite being rough around goalkeeping edges, turned up to produce some neat saves when called upon.

Long balls from defence to attack and crosses from the flanks served the Flying Eagles well in this encounter as these created openings that were almost exploited.

The team's defence, in my humble opinion, is their shining light as they fought tooth and nail to halt opposition attacking initiatives. There were some close calls though but Senegal left their precision boots in the locker room.

What I found hilarious was the Flying Eagles' failed attempts to weave intricate passes together in and around Senegal's 18 yard box. These passes were poorly conceived and incompetently executed and were easily dismissed and dismantled by Senegal.

I will advise the Flying Eagles to stick to their long balls, through passes and speedy movements. They are clearly supremely fit and unbelievably energetic. The intelligence needed to dismantle defences with delicate routines is lost to this team.

Brawn, rather than brains, has brought the Flying Eagles this far, why change a winning strategy (haha!)?

Well done to the Flying Eagles. More lubricants to that engine that has powered this team this far with blinding speed, raw intensity and ferocious determination.