Nooij ‘Proud’ Despite Mambas African Nations Exit
A brief glance at the scoreboard may suggest that Nigeria cruised to victory, with Mozambique rarely threatening the ‘Super Eagles’ defence. But, in reality, Mart Nooij’s side dominated the first half, with only a combination of Nigeria ‘keeper Vincent Enyeama and some poor defending eventually seeing Shaibu Amodo’s side through.
The ‘Mambas’ started tentatively, with the positivity of the Nigerians’ leaving Nooij’s side camped in their own half for the first ten minutes. John Obi Mikel’s defence-splitting pass found Everton’s Yakubu, but the powerful frontman was unable to make a clean connection with the ball, whilst the lively Peter Odemwingie firing just wide after a bursting run. A poor clearance from Mozambique captain Tico Tico was almost capitalised on soon after, but Rafael parried Chinedu Obasi’s drive to safety. Obasi then missed an absolute sitter moments later, failing to connect from just two yards after Danny Shittu’s shot was saved.
- ‘Mambas’ star Tico Tico couldn’t prevent his nations’ exit
But just as Nigeria began to dominate the proceedings, it was Mozambique who started to create the chances. After an array of neat passing movements, ‘Mambas’ winger Paito unleashed a fierce long-range effort that flew narrowly past the post. Enyeama was forced into smart low saves from Tico Tico and the dangerous Domingues, whilst Dario Khan’s piledriver flew high and wide. Paito then had what was undoubtedly Mozambique’s best chance of the match. After pulling away from the lacklustre Nigerian defence, he opted to cut inside rather than shoot with his unfavoured right foot, but his stinging effort found the side netting. As Mozambique grew in confidence, their hopes were shattered just before the interval. The ‘Mambas’ defence gave Odemwingie time and space, allowing the Lokomotiv Moscow playmaker to rifle home superbly from 25 yards.
- Nigeria’s Odemwingie was in fine form
As the second half began, it was clear that the Mozambicans’ were distraught at the way they conceded as they became lethargic off the ball. A lack of defensive communication led to Yakubu springing the offside trap, before pulling the ball back for Odemwingie to calmly slot home, doubling the ‘Super Eagles’ lead. With the pressure off, Nigeria became more comfortable in possession, containing Mozambique to only a few pot-shots. A 40-yard thunderbolt from Fanuel Massinga dipped sharply, but Enyeama easily pushed the ball clear, before the Nigerian stopper was at his brilliant best once more, saving a pin-point header from Dario Monteiro after neat work from Domingues.
However, any thoughts Nooij had of a Benin-influenced comeback were dashed with just ten minutes left on the clock. Sloppy midfield play allowed Chelsea’s Mikel a clear sight at goal, and after his effort was parried by Rafael, substitute Obafemi Martins marked his first African Cup of Nations appearance with a tap-in from six yards.
- Mart Nooij was ‘proud’ of his sides’ efforts
After the game, Nooij expressed his pride in his sides’ efforts, in what could turn out to be his last game as the ‘Mambas’ coach after being linked with various other managerial posts. He told BBC Sport, ‘I can’t be disappointed, my players gave everything they had to give. We arrived here with our heads held high, and we’re leaving with our heads held high.’
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