Three Wins in Three Matches: Why Chelle's Super Eagles Are Not Yet Genuine Afcon Title Contenders

The overall performance of the Super Eagles in this tournament has been impressive, that I agree. That there is no cause for alarm. well. Anyone who believes that must be living in cloud cuckoo land, with all due respect.

I remain a fan of Eric Chelle. Okay, let me rephrase that, I am head on over heels with the direction of the Super Eagles under the tutelage of Eric Chelle.

That said, I have cause for concern.

Tell me, when a collection of millionaire footballers and their coach are unable to scrape together enough coins to purchase a clean sheet from the black market in three matches in this tournament, isn't that enough to set off alarms bells in the ears of the deaf?

And there is a pattern, an ominous one. Play well, score first, capitulate afterwards, at a time meant for you to be coasting to victory.

And why? If I knew that, wouldn't I be the coach of the Super Eagles? Like, what do you take me for? I am just an armchair coach as the only thing I can coach is my armchair.

But seriously, if this one sore thumb can be treated by ingesting a sachet of Alabukun or massaging it with a tube of Rub mentholatum, then this team's status as genuine Afcon title contenders will be secured and sealed.

For now, I approach the knockout stages with much trepidation, like a cat on a hot tin roof on a sunny day in Ijesha Tedo.

It has been a wonderful group stage ride with bumps of late conceded goals along the way.

Where will it end? Your guess is as good as mine (which is not saying much, really :) ).