While the Africans put on a good showing, Nigeria was crushed out of the World Cup with a 2 nil loss to France.
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Before the game, questions about whether Nigeria coach Stephen Keshi would play their leading scorer in the tournament were put to rest as Ahmed Musa was named in the starting lineup. The questions were raised because Musa, a practicing Muslim, is thought to be fasting during this Islamic holy month of Ramadan, which began on Sunday.
In the 19th minute, Nigeria’s forward Emenike eventually found the net, but his goal was quickly ruled an offside.
The Super Eagles fought off the French to end the first half at a goalless score.
The breakthrough for France, though, came through a faulty flap from Nigeria’s keeper, Vincent Enyeama, which permitted Paul Pogba to head home a goal in the 79th minute.
Unfortunately, Nigeria went down again in the 92nd minute through an erroneous Joseph Yobo goal that went in to Nigeria’s goal.
Consequently, Nigeria left the tournament with a single win, but the Super Eagles will return to Lagos with heads held high for representing the continent with a decent showing in Brazil.
With this result and exit, Nigeria has failed to be the fourth African nation to make it to the quarter finals. Ghana, Senegal, and Cameroon are the only African countries to ever make it pass the round of 16.
Nigeria has not been to Round 16 since 1998.
