AFCON 2017 Hmmmmm....! by Afolabi Gambari

Listening to Dr. Larry Izamoje review yesterday's AFCON 2017 game in Kaduna between Nigeria and Egypt on his Music & Sports programme on Brila FM a few hours ago, I couldn't help wondering on what could have been but just couldn't be!

The inimitable Izamoje, affectionately called "Double Doctor" by admirers, uncharacteristically spoke for only a few minutes, opting to sign off earlier while tasking listeners to preview the game's crucial second leg in Alexandria on March 29.

As expected, respondents crammed the phone lines seconds after as they did the station's Facebook and Twitter handle.

Below are key takes from the respondents, as space here would allow...

• Stanley Amuzie killed us. He should be replaced by Anderson Echiejile on Tuesday.
• Aminu Umar showed promise in the few minutes he played. He should strike on Tuesday ahead of Odion Ighalo.
• Ahmed Musa and Kelechi Iheanacho fell short and Iheanacho was seen only when  his goal-bound flick hit the bar. They should give way to Victor Moses and Alex Iwobi.
• Captain John Obi Mikel should be asked to take responsibility by joining in the attack instead of playing long balls from behind.
• Ogenyi Onazi should start ahead of Oghenekaro Etebor (by the way, the only scorer in Kaduna) in Alexandria because we can't afford not to win the game.

My take: Ours must be a unique country indeed, that some people would encourage experimenting in a crucial game against a football power house and especially as it is not in our character to take risks, in addition to the fact that we have been very inconsistent travellers in recent years.

I can only, as a patriot, wish the Super Eagles success as they aim to export the "Naija Spirit" to the land of Pharaohs.