Keshi has to go now

This is the most obvious fact, is’t it? The Super Eagles have actually stagnated since we won the last Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa. Ever since, the team has been painful to watch. Low on ideas, pace and structure. Did we honestly expect to be in Equatorial Guinea next year, after taking just one point from our first three qualifying games?

Musa is not developing at all

Nigeria should probably have gone two goals up before South Africa scored their first. But Ahmed Musa was guilty of squandering two great chances after being played in by Mikel Obi. Sometimes you are tempted to think he plays for Kano Pillars and not CSKA Moscow. All he has in abundance in pace. But for decision making and finishing, the 22-year-old has low grades.

Emmanuel is no longer a god with us

When last did Emenike score for the Super Eagles? Do you remember? Me neither. One has to wonder why Keshi insisted on fielding him all the while. And no, it is not an issue of playing from the wing. Before IK Uche was recalled, he had the target man role all to himself, but failed to impose himself in games. I really expected Keshi to go with Aaron Samuel from the start seeing this was a must-win game.

Defence is a shambles

The name Rantie didn’t ring any bells until tonight. The Bafana Bafana striker bullied the pair of Kenneth Omeruo and Augustine Egwuekwe tirelessly. His first goal was sheer power and pace – something similar to Gareth Bale leaving Barcelona in a daze in that Copa del Rey final. Egwuekwe was a man mountain. Literally. He stood still. His second was similar. He brushed aside Omeruo like a fly off his shoulder and tapped into an empty net.

Credit Bafana Bafana

A big credit to Ephraim Mashaba’s men. They were already through to the AFCON 2015, but they came to town and gave the African champions a run for their money. They now head to Equatorial Guinea unbeaten in the entire qualifying campaign.

‘Ifreke Inyang tweets via @Ifreke