Eguavoen delighted with Super Eagles despite loss

THOUGH Nigeria lost 1-2 to South Korea in Suwon yesterday, Super Eagles’ interim coach, Austin Eguavoen, believes the team’s performance suggested a side capable of going places given the right atmosphere.

The Koreans defeated an experimental Nigeria Eagles at a packed Suwon World Cup Stadium, but Eguavoen says the result would have been different had the Eagles got enough training time before the tie.

According to the Enyimba of Aba former coach, “Korea did very well in the game, took its chances and showed a better co-ordination, which is expected of a team that has been together for a long time.

“Some of my boys are playing together in the national team for the first time and it showed in their understanding of one another.

Aside that, we did not have enough training time and then it was a long journey getting to Korea. But there are positives from this game. With more time, I think this team can go places.”

Among the players that made their first Grade A appearance for the team with the Korea tie were Valentine Nwabili, Otekpa Eneji and Solomon Okoronkwo.

Korea dominated the game and was the more cohesive side, while the Osaze Odemwingie-led Super Eagles struggled to play as a unit and relied more on the individual brilliance of Odemwingie and Obafemi Martins.

Russia-based striker Solomon Okoronkwo made his full international debut, while several players from the domestic league also had their chance to excel at full international level with Valentine Nwabili of Enyimba showing promise at left fullback.

The host team, captained by Manchester United’s Ji-Sung Park, went in front after 18 minutes through Bit-Garam after sustained pressure on the Nigerian defence.

Nigeria drew level in the 26th minute through Locomotiv Moscow’s striker Odemwingie, before Korea regained lead just before the break, when Hyo Jin darted into the box before firing past stranded goalkeeper Dele Aiyenugba.

Korea came close to increasing its lead in the 49th minute but the post came to the rescue to the relief of a beaten goalkeeper Aiyenugba.

Nevertheless, the Israel-based shot stopper, Aiyenugba, was at his best when he pulled off a fine save off a fierce shot from outside the box on 79 minutes.

Brown Ideye would have restored parity for the Eagles on 59 minutes but he scoffed his shot from inside the box after a good combination play that involved the lively Odemwingie and Martins.

Hesitation by Danny Shittu right inside the six-yard box almost gave the Asians a third goal in the 85th minute.

Both teams played out a 2-2 draw in a 2010 World Cup group match in South Africa. It was a result that qualified the Taejuk Warriors to the knockout stage of the South Africa tourney.