As the Super Eagles of Nigeria begin their World Cup campaign today, their fans hope to see goals, lots of goals from the team; and not just goals, but memorable celebrations to boot.
Will it be a somersault from Victor Moses or a run towards the bench from Emmanuel Emenike?
TheCable recounts five unique goal celebrations from previous campaigns of the Super Eagles at the World Cup.
Rashidi Yekini!
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He scored Nigeria’s first ever goal at the World Cup against Bulgaria at USA ’94 but the celebration – sheer unrestrained joy, wailing with delight, throwing his arms to the sky – put the goal to shade. Raw emotion at its best.
Hip-hop flavour from Amokachi
Daniel Amokachi performed a disco move step and was promptly joined by Uche Okechukwu and Emmanuel Amuneke after his goal against Bulgaria at USA ’94 set up a 2-0 lead for the Super Eagles. The dance step caught on as it ruled parties and disco halls in most parts of Nigeria.
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Julius ‘Agha-Wonder’ backflip
Nigeria striker Julius Aghahowa’s trademark goal celebration is the back flip. After scoring against Sweden at Korea/Japan 2002, the former Bendel Insurance forward showed his other expertise with a multiple back flips. The match commentator added gloss to it with his ‘’…Aghahowa on and on and on hoooo…!
George is top dog!
After scoring a beauty against the whipping boys, Greece, at USA ‘94 slotting the ball past their goalkeeper, George ran towards the corner flag and one expected him to do a ‘Roger Milla’ but he got down on all fours and imitated a dog that is passing out faeces!
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Oliseh unleashes the dragon!
Sunday Oliseh’s goal and celebration against Spain at France ’98 form a major highlight of that edition of the World Cup. A hasty clearance in the Spanish area saw the ball in Oliseh’s possession and he unleashed a thunderous swerving half-volley into the net. The spontaneous joy after the shot hits the net will remain indelible in people’s mind.
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