TheCable

In the 80s and 90s, it was common to hear teachers berate some “big boys” in class with words best expressed in Yoruba Language.

“Ko pass, ko fail, ko kuro ni class.”

The Big Boss, Stephen Keshi, didn’t leave “class” by holding on to his Super Eagles coaching job.

But did he pass or fail?

Below is the list of all the games the Super Eagles played in 2014.

Be the judge!

NIGERIA 2 ETHIOPIA 1

January 5, Abuja – friendly match

Goals: Ifeanyi Ede 5th, Uzochukwu Ugonna 30th

Nigeria: ChigozieAgbim, Solomon Kwambe, KunleOdulanmi, AzubuikeEgwueke, Francis Benjamin, UgonnaUzochukwu, IkennaHillary,RabiuAli, AbubakarAliyu (Obaje Joshua 79), IfeanyiEde, EjikeUzoenyi

Cards: 0

Stephen Keshi paraded an entirely home-based Super Eagles against Wyalai Antelopes of Ethiopia with the African Nations Championship (CHAN) in mind. A good start.

MALI 2 NIGERIA 1

January 11, South Africa – CHAN

Goal: Gbolahan Salami 54th

Nigeria: Chigozie Agbim, Solomon Kwambe, Kunle Odulanmi, Azubuike Egwueke, Christantus Ejike, Francis Benjamin, Ugonna Uzochukwu, Ikenna Hillary (AbdullahiShehu 54),Rabiu Ali, Ifeanyi Ede, Abubakar Ibrahim (Gbolahan Salami 52)

Yellow card: Paul Hillary Ikenna   16th

Debut goes awry for the Super Eagles in their first match at the CHAN. Goalkeeper ChigozieAgbim let his teammates down with howlers not worthy of a match of this standard. Better luck in the next game, though.

NIGERIA 4 MOZAMBIQUE 2

January 15, South Africa – CHAN

Goals: Ifeanyi Ede 11th, Rabiu Ali 13th, 54th (pen), Barnabas Imenger 88th

Nigeria: ChigozieAgbim, Solomon Kwambe, Ugonna Uzochukwu (Umar Zango 32), Kunle Odunlami, Azubuike Egwuekwe, Ejike Uzoenyi, Rabiu Ali (DumtePyagbara 90), Gbolahan Salami (Barnabas Imenger 81), Bright Esieme, Abdulahi Shehu, Ifeanyi Ede

Yellow card: EjikeUzoenyi 7th

Agbim continued from where he stopped in the first game, this time allowing Dario Khan’s 40-yard free-kick, just 10 minutes into the game, to beat him. His teammates saved the day as they responded well to win convincingly. Bring on the host!

NIGERIA 3 SOUTH AFRICA 1

January 19, South Africa – CHAN

Goals: EjikeUzoenyi  22nd, 64th Ifeanyi Ede 32nd (pen)

Nigeria: Chigozie Agbim, Azubuike Egwuekwe, Solomon Kwambe, Kunle Odunlami, Abdullahi Shehu, Bright Eseme, Erhun Obanor (Umar Zango 67), Rabiu Ali, Ejike Uzoenyi, Ifeanyi Ede (Barnabas Imenger 86), Fuad Gbolahan Salami (Ogonna Uzochukwu 79)

Yellow cards: Chigozie Agbim 50th, Abdullahi Shehu 78th

Red card: Solomon Kwambe   74th

Nigeria’s hoodoo over South Africa continued as the vuvuzela-blowing fans of Bafana Bafana saw their team lose to the Super Eagles. Nigeria finished second in the group behind Mali. Slowly but surely…

MOROCCO 3 NIGERIA 4

January 25, South Africa – CHAN

Goals: Ogonna Uzochukwu  49th, Rabiu Ali  55th, Ejike Uzoenyi  90th, Abubakar Ibrahim Aliyu 111th

Nigeria: Chigozie Agbim, Azubuike Egwuekwe, Erhun Obanor, Bright Eseme, Kunle Odunlami, Abdullahi Shehu (Umar Zango 113), Ogonna Uzochukwu, Rabiu Ali, Ejike Uzoenyi, Gbolahan Salami (Barnabas Imenger 50), Ifeanyi Ede (Abubakar Ibrahim Aliyu 64)

Yellow cards: KunleOdunlami 70th, Rabiu Ali 74th

We often hear that it is a game of two halves. That’s what was served in this game – so far, the game of the tournament – which brought back memories of the Damman Miracle! Agbim (yet again) was the culprit. Morocco ended the first half with three goals in the bag and were only 45 minutes to glory. Nigeria got two goals back and waited until the 90th minute to draw level. And there could have been only one winner once the game went into extra time. Bring on the Ghanaians!

NIGERIA 0 GHANA 0

(Ghana won 4-1 on penalties)

January 29, South Africa – CHAN

Nigeria: Chigozie Agbim, Solomon Kwambe, Abdullahi Shehu, Azubuike Egwuekwe, Kunle Odunlami, Bright Eseme, Ejike Uzoenyi, Ogonna Uzochukwu, Rabiu Ali (Joshua Obaje 81), Abubakar Ibrahim Aliyu (Dumte Pyagbara 113), Ifeanyi Ede(Barnabas Imenger 63)

Yellow cards: Ejike Uzoenyi 35th, Ogonna Uzochukwu 45th, Bright Eseme 120th

Ghana played for a draw and got it. Penalty shootout is a lottery but the Ghanaians took the gamble and won. The best team won? No.

PERFORMANCE IN JANUARY

Played six games, won four, lost two.

ZIMBABWE 0 NIGERIA 1

February 1, South Africa – CHAN

Goal: Christian Obiozor 85th

Nigeria: Chigozie Agbim, Azubuike Egwuekwe, Solomon Kwambe, Kunle Odunlami, Abdullahi Shehu, Francis Benjamin (Ejike Uzoenyi 52), Ogonna Uzochukwu (Umar Zango 53), Barnabas Imenger, Christian Obiozor, Dumte Pyagbara (Rabiu Ali 67), Abubakar Ibrahim Aliyu

Yellow cards: Abubakar Ibrahim Aliyu 8th, Christian Obiozor 86th

The Super Eagles B picked bronze in their first ever outing at the African Nations Championship with the victory over Zimbabwe. See you in Rwanda in 2016!

PERFORMANCE IN FEBRUARY

Played one game, won one.

MEXICO 0 NIGERIA 0

March 5, USA – friendly match

Nigeria: Vincent Enyeama (Austin Ejide 46), Godfrey Oboabona, Efe Ambrose (Ramon Azeez 46), Kenneth Omeruo, Uwa Echiejile, Ogenyi Onazi, John Obi Mikel, Victor Moses (Imoh Ezekiel 71), Emmanuel Emenike, Ahmed Musa (Obinna Nsofor 60), Michael Uchebo (Leon Balogun 46, Azubuike Egwuekwe 66)

Yellow cards: Kenneth Omeruo 69th, John Obi Mikel 76th, Emmanuel Emenike 80th

The big boys took the centre stage as the Super Eagles started their pre-World Cup games with a draw against Mexico in Georgia Dome, Atlanta, Georgia. It was a balanced game that contained some nice attacking play but was dominated by the goalkeepers. Guillermo Ochoa was man of the match, while both Vincent Enyeama and Austin Ejide were excellent too.

PERFORMANCE IN MARCH

Played one game, drew one.

SCOTLAND 2 NIGERIA 2

May 28, London – friendly match

Goals: Michael Uchebo 41st, Uche Nwofor 90th

Nigeria: Austin Ejide, Kunle Odunlami (Efe Ambrose 75), Uwa Echiejile, Azubuike Egwuekwe, Joseph Yobo, Rueben Gabriel, Ejike Uzoenyi, Joel Obi (Nosa Igiebor 54), Michael Babatunde (Nnamdi Oduamadi 66), Shola Ameobi (Uche Nwofor 62), Michael Uchebo (Osaze Odemwingie 55)

Cards: 0

The build-up to this game was overshadowed by rumours of investigations into match-fixing but no concrete details had come to light. However, Austin Ejide’s underwhelming performance gave credence to the rumour. His howlers were reminiscent to Agbim’s during the CHAN. A late equaliser from Nwofor earned Nigeria a draw at Craven Cottage to spare his blushes.

PERFORMANCE IN MAY

Played one game, drew one.

NIGERIA 0 GREECE 0

June 3, USA – friendly match

Nigeria: Vincent Enyeama, Godfrey Oboabona, Efe Ambrose, Kenneth Omeruo, Uwa Echiejile (Kunle Odunlami 41), John Obi Mikel, Ogenyi Onazi, Victor Moses, Emmanuel Emenike (Uche Nwofor 76), Ahmed Musa (Michael Uchebo 46), Osaze Odemwingie (Michael Babatunde 54)

Cards: 0

The Super Eagles had a showing better than the one in their Scotland friendly in London as they were forced to a goalless draw by Greece at the PPL Park Chester, Pennsylvania. Bosnia beware!

UNITED STATES 2 NIGERIA 1

June 7, USA – friendly match

Goal:Victor Moses   86 (pen)

Nigeria: Vincent Enyeama, Efe Ambrose, Juwon Oshaniwa, Godfrey Oboabona, Joseph Yobo, Ramon Azeez (Michael Uchebo 74), John Obi Mikel (Rueben Gabriel 46), Ogenyi Onazi, Victor Moses, Osaze Odemwingie (Michael Babatunde 46), Shola Ameobi (Emmanuel Emenike 64)

Cards: 0

United States defeated Nigeria in front of over 50,000 fans at Everbank Field in Jacksonville in both teams’ last friendly match as they head to Brazil for the World Cup. Jozy Altidore scored both goals for the US and Victor Moses converted a late penalty for the Super Eagles. Brazil here we come!

IRAN 0 NIGERIA 0

June 16, Brazil – World Cup

Nigeria: Vincent Enyeama, Godfrey Oboabona (Joseph Yobo 29),Efe Ambrose, Kenneth Omeruo, Juwon Oshaniwa, Ogenyi Onazi, John Obi Mikel, Ramon Azeez (Osaze Odemwingie 69), Victor Moses (Shola Ameobi 52), Emmanuel Emenike, Ahmed Musa

Cards: 0

Nigeria and Iran played out the first draw of the 2014 World Cup. The Super Eagles dominated possession but created few chances against a disciplined Iran side managed by former Manchester United assistant coach Carlos Queiroz. Eagles’ best chances came in the first half, when Ogenyi Onazi fired a shot wide before Ahmed Musa went close with a free-kick. One point in the bag!

NIGERIA 1 BOSNIA & HERZEGOVINA 0

June 21, Brazil – World Cup

Goal: Osaze Odemwingie

Nigeria: Vincent Enyeama, Kenneth Omeruo, Efe Ambrose, Juwon Oshaniwa, Joseph Yobo, John Obi Mikel, Ogenyi Onazi, Michael Babatunde (Ejike Uzoenyi 75), Ahmed Musa (Shola  Ameobi 65), Emmanuel Emenike, Osaze Odemwingie

Yellow card: John Obi Mikel81st

Osaze Odemwingie scored the only goal to give Nigeria a victory – their first win at the World Cup finals since 1998 – which eliminated World Cup debutants Bosnia-Hercegovina who had lost to Argentina in their first game. The goal came just seven minutes after Bosnia striker Edin Dzeko had a goal incorrectly disallowed for offside. Nigeria would qualify for the knockout stage if they got a point against Argentina, or if Iran failed to beat Bosnia.

NIGERIA 2 ARGENTINA 3

June 25, Brazil – World Cup

Goals:Ahmed Musa   4th, 47th

Nigeria: Vincent Enyeama, Kenneth Omeruo, Efe Ambrose, Juwon Oshaniwa, Joseph Yobo, John Obi Mikel, Ogenyi Onazi, Michael Babatunde (Michael Uchebo 66), Ahmed Musa, Emmanuel Emenike, Osaze Odemwingie(Uche Nwofor 80)

Yellow cards: Kenneth Omeruo 49th, Juwon Oshaniwa 51st

Lionel Messi and Ahmed Musa scored twice as Argentina won a thriller against Nigeria. The Barcelona ace netted a fierce opener, but Musa equalised within 80 seconds with a curling finish. Messi made it 2-1 before the break with a 25-yard free-kick, but Musa got his second after bursting through. Marcos Rojo scored Argentina’s winner, knocking in a corner with a knee. The South Americans finished top of Group F with three wins from three games, while Nigeria came second with four points after Iran failed to beat Bosnia-Herzegovina. Nigeria would face France in the second-round in Brasilia while Argentina would take on Switzerland in Sao Paulo.

FRANCE 2 NIGERIA 0

June 30, Brazil – World Cup

Nigeria: Vincent Enyeama, Kenneth Omeruo, Efe Ambrose, Juwon Oshaniwa, Joseph Yobo, Ogenyi Onazi (Rueben Gabriel 59), John Obi Mikel, Victor Moses (Uche Nwofor 89), Ahmed Musa, Osaze Odemwingie, Emmanuel Emenike

Cards: 0

A row over money overshadowed the build-up to this game with the Super Eagles staging a training ground boycott. In the game, France scored twice in the final 11 minutes in Brasilia to beat Nigeria and reach the World Cup quarter-finals. Emmanuel Emenike had a strike ruled out for offside. Victor Moses cleared Karim Benzema’s shot off the line after the break. But Paul Pogba eventually headed in after an error from Vincent Enyeama and Joseph Yobo diverted Mathieu Valbuena’s cross into the net. Goodbye to Brazil!

PERFORMANCE IN JUNE

Played six games, won one, drew two and lost three

NIGERIA 2 CONGO 3

September 6, Calabar – AFCON qualifier

Goals: Efe Ambrose 13th, Gbolahan Salami   89th

Nigeria: Austin Ejide, Godfrey Oboabona, Kenneth Omeruo, Efe Ambrose, Uwa Echiejile, John Obi Mikel, Ramon Azeez (Nosa Igiebor 50), Nnamdi Oduamadi (Gbolahan Salami 74), Ogenyi Onazi, Uche Nwofor (Emmanuel Emenike 50), Ahmed Musa

Yellow cards: John Obi Mikel62nd, Ahmed Musa   64th

Ebola and NFF presidency tussle were the issues that shaped proceedings before the Super Eagles played Congo at the UJ Esuene Stadium in Calabar. A goal from Prince Oniangue and two from Thiery Bifouma gave Congo a shock 3-2 win. Nigeria will have to beat South Africa in Cape Town in their next match as they bid to defend their trophy in the next Africa Cup of Nations.

SOUTH AFRICA 0 NIGERIA 0

September 10, Cape Town – AFCON qualifier

Nigeria: Austin Ejide, Godfrey Oboabona, Efe Ambrose, Kenneth Omeruo, Uwa Echiejile, John Obi Mikel, Ogenyi Onazi, Nosa Igiebor, Emmanuel Emenike, Ahmed Musa, Gbolahan Salami

Yellow card: Godfrey Oboabona   43rd

It was stalemate in Cape Town as South Africa and Nigeria played to a goalless draw in their Group A 2015 AFCON qualifier. The result earned Bafana Bafana second spot in the group on four points, two behind Congo who defeated Sudan to move to six points. Nigeria are third on one point and needed to beat Sudan in their next match in order to kick-start their quest of qualifying for the championship. All is not lost!

PERFORMANCE IN SEPTEMBER

Played two games, lost one, drew one.

SUDAN 1 NIGERIA 0

October 11, Khartoum – AFCON qualifier

Nigeria: Vincent Enyeama, Godfrey Oboabona, Efe Ambrose, Kenneth Omeruo, Uwa Echiejile, John Obi Mikel, Ogenyi Onazi, Nosa Igiebor, Emmanuel Emenike, Ahmed Musa, Gbolahan Salami

Yellow card: Efe Ambrose 47th

The Super Eagles were rooted to the bottom of their group after this defeat. Striker Bakri Abdelgadir scored the only goal for Sudan via a powerful header after two Nigerian defenders were caught ball-watching. With one point from a possible nine and with South Africa (seven points), Congo (six points) and Sudan (three points) all ahead of Nigeria, bottom-place Super Eagles now face the real prospect of missing out on the 2015 AFCON. Irredeemable?

NIGERIA 3 SUDAN 1

October 15, Abuja – AFCON qualifier

Goals: Ahmed Musa (48th, 89th), Aaron Samuel 65th

Nigeria: Vincent Enyeama, Kenneth Omeruo, Juwon Oshaniwa, Godfrey Oboabona, Hope Akpan, John Obi Mikel, Ogenyi Onazi, Raheem Lawal (Sone Aluko 64), Ahmed Musa (Ighodaro Osaguona 90), Emmanuel Emenike, Aaron Samuel (Gbolahan Salami 86)

Cards: 0

The call for Stephen Keshi’s head dominated the headlines prior to this game. In the game, Ahmed Musa scored either side of debutant Aaron Samuel’s goal to hand the Super Eagles a hard-fought 3-1 victory and resuscitated a faltering AFCON 2015 qualification campaign. They face Congo and South Africa in win-or-bust ties.

PERFORMANCE IN OCTOBER

Played two games, won one, lost one.

CONGO 0 NIGERIA 2

November 15, Pointe Noire – AFCON qualifier

Goals: Ikechukwu Uche                59th (pen), Aaron Samuel   90th

Nigeria: Vincent Enyeama, Efe Ambrose, Godfrey Oboabona, Juwon Oshaniwa, Azubuike Egwuekwe, Ogenyi Onazi, John Obi Mikel, Hope Akpan, Ahmed Musa, Ikechukwu Uche, Emmanuel Emenike (Aaron Samuel 70)

Yellow cards: Godfrey Oboabona   64th, Ogenyi Onazi 68th, Juwon Oshaniwa      90th

Nigeria were now second on the log with a superior goal difference to Congo after this win but still behind leaders South Africa who they would host in their next game in Uyo, Akwa Ibom state. A win by any margin against Bafana Bafana would guarantee automatic qualification to Africa’s biggest sporting event for the Super Eagles. Yes we can!

NIGERIA 2 SOUTH AFRICA 2

November 19, Akwa Ibom – AFCON qualifier

Goals: Sone Aluko (68th, 94th)

Nigeria: Vincent Enyeama, Kenneth Omeruo (Aaron Samuel 74), Juwon Oshaniwa, Efe Ambrose, Azubuike Egwuekwe, John Obi Mikel, Raheem Lawal (Sone Aluko 57), Ogenyi Onazi, Ahmed Musa, Emmanuel Emenike, Ikechukwu Uche

Yellow cards: Azubuike Egwuekwe76th

Nigeria failed to qualify for the AFCON after only managing a 2-2 draw with ten-man South Africa who have never beaten the Super Eagles in a competitive game. But this draw tasted like a victory to them. And to Nigeria? A defeat. What a shame!

PERFORMANCE IN NOVEMBER

Played one, drew one.

2014 TABLE

P W D L GF GA GD

20 9 4 7 30 25 +5

BIGGEST WIN

Nigeria 4 Mozambique 2

BIGGEST LOSS

Nigeria 2 Congo 3

TOP SCORER

Ahmed Musa (4 goals)

MOST CAPPED PLAYER

Emenike, Mikel, Ambrose and Onazi were tied with 13 caps each

NUMBER OF RED CARDS

One

NUMBER OF YELLOW CARDS

25

MOST BOOKED PLAYER

John Obi Mikel (3 yellow cards)

NUMBER OF CLEAN SHEETS

Nine

PLAYER OF THE YEAR

Can one look beyond Vincent Enyeama, the LOSC Lille goalkeeper?

PLAYER OFF THE YEAR

We are spoilt for choice here because many of the players underachieved in the year under review. But we have settled for Emmanuel Emenike.

DISCOVERY OF THE YEAR

It’s between Michael Babatunde and Juwon Oshaniwa. But our vote goes to Oshaniwa.

GOAL OF THE YEAR

Any of Ahmed Musa’s goals against Argentina at the World Cup in Brazil.

FIFA RANKING

Nigeria finished in 43rd position in the world and ninth in Africa in the last FIFA Ranking for 2014.

YOUR COMMENT

Let’s have your opinion below.