THE DAYS OF THE SUPER EAGLES

 
  Gone are the days when you watch the super Eagles playing a match, and be hopeful of a splendid outcome.  The past days when our players struggles with enthusiasm, giving out their best to make their country proud.  It is obvious that the super eagles are existing with the past glory of the former team, whose zealous acts on the pitch made Nigeria popular in terms of football.
  The likes of Rashidi Yekini, Peter Rufai, Jayjay Okocha, Kanu Nwankwo, Taribo West, and many others who made Nigeria smile can never be forgotten.  Some heros like Samuel Okparaji and others who died on the field of play would undoubtably always remain on the mind of Nigerians.
  I can recall in 1994, Nigeria was ranked among the top five best football countries, when the Super Eagles stunned the world as they beat Brazil.  Today, the super Eagles are ranked 41st according to FIFA (12 March 2015).  The question is who is to be blamed?  Is it the coach or players, or are there no adequate fund for the players?  Back then, much attention in terms for monetary funds was not payed to football.  The players were not paid well compared  to this day, but it didn't stop them from performing.  They played wholeheartedly with full concentration.  In the case of the current super eagles team, everything is a mess.  They feel pompous while on the field; if you compare their performances on their club site, you will see that they play more well than home.  Well, football clubs pays a huge some of money, so their is competition among players.  If you don't play well, more better players are available.
  Looking at the dream team/golden eaglets, you will see the zeal in them.  Everybody want to be feature; they want the world to know that the are good.  The eaglets/dream teams perform excellently in the continent and beyond.  But the irony is, if they are eventually selected to the super eagles team and purchased by a football club abroad, the zeal dies off.  Is it that they don't fancy playing for the country or the country don't take proper care of them?
  From my own point of view, the Nigeria Football Association is to be blamed.  These players are ought to be motivated so that they can put in there best.  In most cases, an injured player is not properly taken care of.  The NFA feels less concerned about the well-being of the players, thus bringing low their morale.  A super eagles player would prefer to be injured in his club site than home because, he has the assurance that the club will cater for him.  The NFA should resolve in making the salaries/wages of players attractive, as this would give the upcoming stars the hope that their safety is guaranteed.