Aba Fans Praise Eagles’ Grit, Demand More Clinical Edge

By FRED LONGJOHN OBEH

FOOTBALL fans in Aba erupted with relief and cautious optimism on Tuesday after the Super Eagles edged Tanzania 2-1 in their AFCON opener in Morocco. The victory eased pre-match anxiety triggered by Nigeria’s 2-1 friendly defeat to Egypt days earlier, a loss that revived familiar concerns about the team’s habit of starting tournaments slowly.

Many supporters admitted they feared a repeat, but praised the resilience the Eagles showed to avoid an opening-day stumble. Local sports presenter Tony Ademodi commended the win but warned that Nigeria must sharpen its finishing, insisting that wasteful dominance could backfire against more ruthless opponents.

He urged the coaching crew to deploy players in their natural roles and to close out matches earlier by converting chances, noting that better teams “will punish hesitation and profligacy.” Fans including Adindu Uche echoed the scoring concerns, applauding Nigeria’s control of the game but lamenting the failure to stretch the lead despite multiple openings.

While Uche backed Nigeria to reach the knockout rounds, he questioned their title credentials, citing a need for improved game management and tactical maturity. Others cautioned against complacency, reminding that the road ahead is far tougher, beginning with Tunisia on 27 December before Nigeria’s final Group C clash against Uganda.

The general mood in Aba reflected pride in the win, but also a consensus that survival in AFCON will require more clinical attacking and tactical variety.