TheCable

The Super Eagles were eliminated from the 2014 World Cup via a 2-0 defeat to France in the second round.

Prior that game, the team drew 0-0 against Iran, pipped Bosnia 1-0 and lost 3-2 in a thrilling game against Argentina.

The 2014 mundial was a competition that brought about mixed feelings for Nigeria but the most unforgettable game of the tournament was the painful loss to France.

Nigeria played aggressively from the beginning, with Ogenyi Onazi, John Obi Mikel and Ahmed Musa pushing up to join Emmanuel Emenike.

In the first half, Onazi was one of the best players on the pitch and often looked to create something from the midfield.

He, however, went off injured following a challenge by Blaise Matuidi on the hour mark and his team missed his presence as France took control of the match.

Paul Pogba broke the deadlock against the Super Eagles with 11 minutes remaining after heading in from a corner.

The Les Blues’ win was sealed in injury time when Joseph Yobo put Mathieu Valbuena’s cross into his own net.

Nigeria rallied and produced a couple of inviting chances but could not put the ball into the net, a problem for the Super Eagles at the 2014 World Cup.

Despite the failure to qualify for the quarter-finals, the Super Eagles went home with their heads high. They had given the best they had to offer.

As another World Cup is about to commence, the Eagles will be hoping to go one step further and do better than they did in the past.