At the African Nations Cup (Afcon) incidentally hosted by Morrocco in 1988, Chief Ademola Adesina wore Nigeria’s green and white shirts against Algeria. In that decisive semi-final, he received a red card and walked to the tunnel. Nigeria beat Algeria through penalty shoot-out. Adesina was back on the field two years later at the Algiers 90, another Afcon, again playing against Algeria. In this interview with TheTabloid.net, the respected midfielder says he was unlucky to be at a wrong spot at a wrong time, hence the dangerous card. Excerpts
Again, Super Eagles will lock horn with Algeria tomorrow (today) at the ongoing Afcon in Morrocco. What would you tell the eagles having been there in 1988 and 1990?
I watched the Algerians last match and realised that it took them 120 minutes to win. This means we have an advantage over them. They will be playing us with tired legs, of course. But this does not mean we should assume an easy match.
How do you mean?
We should not underrate them. They are crafty and sleeky, which makes them dangerous to any team, especially at this crucial stage. We should hold our defence very tight. We should not open any space for them to explore.
What else should eagles do?
I am happy we have mature and more experienced players like Lookman and Osimhen in the attack. Alex Iwobi is doing great in the middle of the field. Onyeka too is doing well as a defensive midfielder. We are good to go, all things being equal. If all of them play their assigned roles well, we are going to beat Algeria again.
In 1988, you were found on the wrong side of the rule by the referee and sent out of the match against the same Algeria.
How did you feel at that moment of red card?
It was a sad moment for me. No player would want to experience such but I had to accept my fate and leave the field.
What was the offence you committed?
I was not the one that committed a foul.
Who?
It was Samson Siasia.
Really?
Yes.
Then how did it happen that you paid the price?
It was an error of judgement by the referee. He booked me because I was the closest player to the Algerian who was brought down. If there was VAR (Video Assistant Referee), it would have shown clearly who committed the foul.
What was on your mind while going into the tunnel?
I was not happy. But luckily there was a television set in the tunnel. I was able to watch the rest. I would have made the list of those who would take the penalties. But I am happy that we won and made it to the final, even though I could not play the final because of the red card. I wish our boys best of luck.
Leave a Reply