Tonight, Nigeria's Super Eagles played against Croatia in their first match of the 2018 FIFA World Cup. Nigerians and indeed friends of Nigeria from around the world were very optimistic about the match.
OK. The Naija fans for Kaliningrad no dey dull. Oya na. #SoarSuperEagles #Team9jaStrong #CRONGA pic.twitter.com/VrIkYMFWyg
— 🇳🇬 Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) June 16, 2018
https://twitter.com/Diddy/status/1008042308237975553
Match prediction: Nigeria 2 - 1 Croatia.
To be deleted at 8:30 PM. 😅
— Gimba Kakanda (@gimbakakanda) June 16, 2018
The own goal
Thirty one minutes into the match, Super Eagles midfielder Oghenekaro Etebo scored an own goal, giving Croatia a 1-0 lead against Nigeria.
GOAL! Croatia take the lead! In off Etebo for an own goal. #WorldCup #CRO #NGA pic.twitter.com/8DLmcQlWRq
— ITV Football (@itvfootball) June 16, 2018
https://twitter.com/SemilooreAkoni/status/1008071006903259136
https://twitter.com/Marapolsa/status/1008076564158976009
This:
The last three own goals at the #WorldCup have all been scored by African nations:
🇳🇬 Yobo (2014)
🇲🇦 Bouhaddouz (2018)
🇳🇬 Etebo (2018)The last two goals Nigeria have conceded at the tournament have both been own goals. pic.twitter.com/T7dZF5ISAr
— Squawka (@Squawka) June 16, 2018
Meanwhile Nigerian winger, Victor Moses failed to hold his own on the pitch
Victor Moses' consistent falls was trending on social media.
MOSES should have worn a pyjamas since he came to lay on the pitch. #WorldCup #CRONGA pic.twitter.com/KsdwiMD0X1
— DADDY-EAGLE™🦅 (@iamthe_eagle) June 16, 2018
https://twitter.com/sire_liljosh/status/1008083717556985857
Is banana peel under Moses boot or something? #CRONGA pic.twitter.com/ahZRqy9EtE
— TOBI 💣 (@_Daveede) June 16, 2018
https://twitter.com/Naijablogger/status/1008088888873766912
https://twitter.com/Alex_Houseof308/status/1008087862707933184
https://twitter.com/EfeOraka/status/1008083017330544641
Then Alex Iwobi was replaced with Ahmed Musa
At about the 62nd minute, Arsenal forward, Alex Iwobi was substituted for Ahmed Musa, to Nigerians' disappointment.
https://twitter.com/ehte_/status/1008091884282146821
I’m still trying to understand why Iwobi was removed!!!! Like he’s the only one trying to give us a goal...the only one with a good shot at it so far. Call me clueless but this coach is doing “try your luck” please. But ok #CRONGA
— Elsie Godwin (@ELSiEiSY) June 16, 2018
Felt like subbing Iwobi out was the wrong move. l'd have brought Iheanacho on for Ighalo.
— Banky Wellington (@BankyW) June 16, 2018
Stop doing drugs ! Only a man on drugs will off Iwobi for Musa 🤷🏽♂️
— The Lazy Chef 👨🏽🍳 (@ItsTheLazyChef) June 16, 2018
The penalty that led to a second goal
Nigeria's William Troost-Ekong was booked in the 70th minute for pulling back Croatia's Mario Mandzukic. This led to a penalty kick played by Luca Modic and Croatia's second goal.
This is the first penalty ever given for cuddling #CRONGA
— Karl Sharro (@KarlreMarks) June 16, 2018
Why would you hold Mandzukic like that? Is he your wife? 😭 #CRONGA
— Femi ابوبکر Bakre (@femibakre) June 16, 2018
https://twitter.com/datmastermind/status/1008084532329934848
Penalty!!!
Nigeria 0-2 Croatia
It is finished.#CRONGA pic.twitter.com/zqZiNzC75E
— Angels in Heaven 🧚♀️🧚♂️ (@badgalmaddie_) June 16, 2018
Is all over Jackie Don’t Cry Don’t beg 🤦🏽♂️ #CRONGA ⚽️
— Burna Boy (@burnaboy) June 16, 2018
"@bjspesh: This Moses cannot lead us to the promise land....Any Joshua on the team? #CRONGA #WorldCup #NGA pic.twitter.com/seiEeY2byl
— GIDI (@Gidi_Traffic) June 16, 2018
Consolation
Aleast our jersey sold out 🙂 pic.twitter.com/ERF5B7fHbZ
— DEGEN Mandem (@kvngSpice) June 16, 2018
Whatever happens, boys are looking fiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiine tonight #CRONGA 🇳🇬
— Stephanie Hegarty (@stephhegarty) June 16, 2018
At least we won best fashion. #CRONGA pic.twitter.com/LdErYzp2vA
— ayòbámi (@ayobamiariyoo) June 16, 2018
Iheanacho finally replaced Ighalo
73 minutes into the game, Odion Ighalo was substituted for Kelechi Iheanacho. A move which many Nigerians believed should have come earlier.
I'd like to see what happens if Iheanacho comes on.. I feel like he might bring that spark and be a stronger goal threat
— Banky Wellington (@BankyW) June 16, 2018
https://twitter.com/Iam_Abdulaxis/status/1008076682933293056
https://twitter.com/SemilooreAkoni/status/1008073448223051776
Why isn't Kelechi Iheanacho playing?
— Lanre Soff 🇳🇬🇳🇬 (@Daniel_Soff) June 16, 2018
https://twitter.com/davidevbo/status/1008070701520171009
Other reactions
https://twitter.com/ebuka_akara/status/1008082289845264385
https://twitter.com/trapafasa/status/1008085397799358465
"@OfficiallollyB: After this match, please get your PVC....... This is all the fault of those in power. They must go!!!!! #CRONGA #WorldCup @Gidi_Traffic pic.twitter.com/73191BTC8m
— GIDI (@Gidi_Traffic) June 16, 2018
May this not turn to waste of gen 🙏🏻😓#CRONGA
— Frank Donga™ (@frankdonga_) June 16, 2018
#CRONGA
The Nigeria we expected in RussiaVerses
The Nigeria we are watching😂😂😂 #CRONGA #WorldCup pic.twitter.com/P6ehtEWZo7
— Audrey ketturrah Osm (@audreyosmonds) June 16, 2018
https://twitter.com/_mwes/status/1008086892880060417
The match finally ended with a 2-0 triumph, in favour of Croatians. Nigerians believe that the Super Eagles could have done better and are optimistic about their next match against Icelend on June 22.
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