In Africa, when it comes to football, you will hear a lot of stories and in a crucial game like the semi-final between Nigeria and South Africa, you can expect much.
Indeed, some people believe that voodoo or what we call ‘Juju’ in Nigeria could help a team win a game.
So, people expected this voodoo thing to be at play in the semi-final game between Bafana Bafana and Super Eagles.
We cannot say whether the game had a touch of voodoo. But one thing was sure – South Africa came to the game with much hope. The icing was that they trusted in the arm of flesh – Goalkeeper Ronwen Williams.
They had played their quarter-final game, with Williams, making every South African proud. He managed to magically stop four penalties.
That feat was fresh in every mind, including those of the commentators of the semi–final game between Nigeria and South Africa.
The first half of the game left most Nigerians with their hearts in their mouths.
Osimhen had, once gain attempted to put his name on the scoreboard, but a sin (foul) had been committed before the ball got out of Nigeria’s box to ignite the counterattack.
Osimhen got ruled out again, and a penalty kick was awarded to the South Africans.
It was a second time in the tournament that he would be ruled out. Some persons wonder if that was voodoo working against him or luck.
Over Confidence
Back to the semi-final tie. Indeed, from beginning to the end, the possession fell to the ‘Southy’ team.
At some point, it was 56% to 44%.
‘Pressure ti wa’ (there is pressure) was in the lips of most Nigerians, as they watch the pressure mount on their darling Super Eagles. They all shared from the piece of cake.
But one thing South Africa were not giving attention to, was that the arm of flesh could fail.
They had all their hopes on the ability of their goalkeeper to stop most penalties and they played-with pride and share-anticipation for the final whistle of an extra-time.
Bafana Bafana established that confidence in their keeper when he almost caught Williams Ekong’s penalty kick. Confidently, they looked forward to the penalty shoot-out.
In no time, the extra-time came to an end.
Again, what followed was a proof that the arm of flesh could fail anyone.
Basically, confidence in self could pose a challenge when it gets hold of the desire to push.
Unfortunately, this situation leaves the sheer-confident person vulnerable.
No Gree For Anybody
Alas the penalty time came and Nwabali, who very few persons gave a chance, snatched the day from South Africa’s Williams, stopping two shots.
Sadly, Williams could not stop a ball.
Again, we see how trusting in the arm of flesh could lead to disaster.
Now, Bafana Bafana will head to the third-place game, with Nigeria establishing what you could call an edge over the SA team in the game of football.
The rivalry could now be laid to rest, as Nigeria maintained the ‘no gree for anybody spirit‘.
Most importantly, with the 4-2 defeat on penalties, Nigeria booked a place in the finals.
The super Eagles will play against the winner of the game between Ivory Coast and DR Congo.
We look forward to victory at in the finals. Congratulations to all Nigerians.