Nigeria’s Group F opponents at the World Cup in Brazil, Bosnia-Herzegovina, at the weekend sent out warning signals to the African champions that they are ready to fight for the ticket to the next round of the Mundial with a 2-1 victory over Didier Drogba-led Elephants of Cote d’Ivoire.
Manchester City striker, Edin Dzeko, scored twice as Bosnia-Herzegovina stepped up their preparations for the battle ahead in the South American country.
Dzeko scored in the 17th and 53rd minutes to set his side on the way to victory with veteran forward Drogba responding in stoppage time for the Elephants.
Elsewhere, Robin van Persie’s early goal earned the Netherlands a 1-0 victory in their international friendly against fellow FIFA World Cup finalists Ghana in Rotterdam.
The Manchester United striker slotted home the only goal of the game after just six minutes when he was left with a simple finish after being set up by Wesley Sneijder. The Netherlands missed a number of chances to increase their lead, most notably through Arjen Robben, but they kept Ghana out at the other end to record their first victory since defeating Turkey last October. Since that match the Dutch have drawn with Japan, Colombia and Ecuador, while losing 2-0 to France in Paris.
For Ghana, the defeat will be a disappointment but of more concern for coach Kwesi Appiah was the serious-looking injury suffered by defender Jerry Akaminko, who was carried off on a stretcher late on after appearing to land awkwardly on an ankle. With the start of the World Cup just over a fortnight away, it remains to be seen if the Eskisehirspor player will be able to feature in Brazil.
Dutch coach Louis van Gaal named a strong line-up for their penultimate friendly match before they kick-off their World Cup campaign against Spain on 13 June, and three of his star names combined to open the scoring early on.
Robben sent Sneijder racing into the area and the Galatasaray playmaker cut the ball back as Ghana goalkeeper Adam Kwarasey came out to meet him, giving captain Van Persie an easy tap-in into an empty net.
In another friendly, Chile fought back from two goals down as they beat Egypt 3-2 in Santiago. Mohamed Salah and Khaled Kamar had Egypt 2-0 up inside 16 minutes but Marcelo Diaz pulled one back for the home side before half-time.
Eduardo Vargas then bagged a brace after the interval to hand the home side victory.
Christian Stuani grabbed the only goal in the 62nd minute as Uruguay claimed a 1-0 win over Northern Ireland.
Super Eagles coach, Stephen Okechukwu Keshi took his wards through another rigorous session Sunday morning, one of the last before the announcement of the final 23 man list for the World Cup in Brazil later this month and came away with a damning conclusion, “these players have all convinced me of their abilities but they are also confusing me on who to or not to drop”.
He aid so far all the players merit to go to the World Cup but there was nothing he can do to change the laws governing the World Cup. Adding that the players who will be so dropped should take it in good faith and not conclude that they have been victimized.
He continued thus: “God, it’s a good, difficult decision to make regarding the naming of the final 23 but we have no choice but to do it, otherwise we will be failing in our duties. The players have been so committed, so professional that you feel like shedding a tear because some of them must just go home”.
The list of the final 23 players that will be taken to the World Cup is billed to be sent to the NFF for onward release to World football governing body, FIFA and the Nigerian and global soccer public.
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