Cali Crush

A match-up that seemed sort of even with the originally proposed team became positively lopsided following a torrent of injuries, withdrawals, and in Joseph Yobo’s case, pure douchebaggery. Although the Eagles fielded a sub-optimal team and eventually had to play with Sani Kaita sent off in the second half, Columbia did a great job. Los Cafeteros consistently created superb chances at goal, and it was only a matter of time before they put one past poor, inexperienced Austin Ejide. In Ejide’s defense, his composure grew as the match progressed, and he cannot really be faulted for Falcao beating the offside trap.

All that said, this match was supposed to be a preparation for the next slate of qualifiers for SA2010, and I was disappointed on many levels. Firstly, I don’t know why players who would fight each other to play for Nigeria in the world cup do not understand that in order to get to play in the world cup, you have to qualify, and in order to qualify, you have to prepare. Simple (actually, quite rambling, but I’m pissed). Yobo in particular deserves some sort of sanction for that stunt, but unfortunately, Coach Shaibu Amodu has claimed clemency for all withdrawals.

Of course, he is not to blame for that choice because he really does not have any options. In a match on which the world cup hopes of a nation rest, he has to put the best team on the field, even if that includes complete jackasses like Yobo, the perenially visa-less Vincent Enyeama, and the perpertually injured Obafemi Martins (Nigeria’s very own Louis Saha).

The take home lesson of Cali, Columbia is this: the Super Eagles as they currently exist are not a great team but a conglomeration of sometimes shining stars. Occasionally, the stars all (or mostly) shine together, and we witness a beautiful constellation. Mostly however, and increasingly lately, it’s been a few incoherent bright spots that might at times dazzle, but always lack a sense of completeness.