7 reasons why Nigeria lost to France

4. Nigeria literally had no bench?

There is nothing a tired team detests to see than an exciting, vibrant player coming on to run his heart out for 30 minutes. France brought in Griezmann to replace the ineffectual Giroud; Stephen Keshi called on Gabriel Reuben for the injured Onazi. The difference in impact was there to see.

Under pressure from Griezmann, Joseph Yobo inadvertently diverted a Valbuena cross into the corner of his own net. Meanwhile, Eagles’ midfield surrendered to Paul Pogba et al when Reuben was called to the fray. Nwofor came on late on for Moses, but nobody noticed his presence.

Players such as Ejide, Agbim, Uzoenyi, Gabriel, Egwuekwe, Odunlami, Azeez, Uchebo, and Ameobi were also available to Keshi in case he needed them. But these are players who will only instill fear on the opposition because of the pronunciations of their names, and not their footballing prowess. I’m sure I didn’t hear you say Ik Uche.