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Despite slumping to
a 2-1 defeat to South Korea in an international friendly match played
Wednesday at the Seoul Olympic Stadium in Korea, former Super Eagles
handler, Christian Chukwu and ex-player, Garba Lawal, have defended the
outcome of the game.

For Chukwu, who was
once at the helms of affairs as chief coach of the national team;
friendly matches should not be seen as a do or die affair but as
avenues to try out new players and give them a platform to express
themselves.

“Of course, victory
is always sweet but in this case I think we should be concerned about
the major purpose of the match which I believe is to start the
rebuilding process of the national team,” he said.

He added that the
match has availed the coaches opportunity to see one or two players
that can fit into different positions when the situation demands.

Good attempt

Similarly, Lawal
said the Eagles did their best, particularly the duo of Osaze Odewingie
and Obafemi Martins while also praising the efforts of some of the home
based players that got a chance in the game.

“They did their
best. For me, I don’t care about the result I am happy that we are
making good use of the FIFA window just like other countries. If we
continue like this then we can begin to reap the benefits in time to
come,” he said.

Others who also
shared the same position include former assistant manager Joe Erico,
former players Dosu Joseph and Yisa Shofulwe, who all argued that
friendly matches should not be seen as a must win game.

The game

Korea dominated the
game and were the more cohesive team, while the Osaze Odemwingie-led
Super Eagles struggled to play as a unit and relied more on the
individual brilliance of Odemwingie and Martins.

Russia-based
striker Solomon Okoronkwo made his full international debut, while
several players from the domestic league also had their chance to excel
at full international level with Valentine Nwabili of Enyimba showing
promise at left fullback.

Korea captained by
Manchester United ace Ji-Sung Park went in front after 18 minutes
through Bit-Garam after sustained pressure on the Nigerian defence.

Nigeria drew level
in the 26th minute through Locomotiv Moscow striker Odemwingie, before
Korea regained their lead just before the break when Hyo Jin darted
into the box before firing past goalkeeper Dele Aiyenugba.

Korea came close to increasing their lead in the 49th minute but the post came to Aiyenugba’s rescue.

Israel-based shot
stopper Aiyenugba was at his best when he pulled off a fine save off a
fierce shot from outside the box on 79 minutes.

Brown Ideye would
have restored parity for the Eagles on 59 minutes but he scoffed his
shot from inside the box after a good combination play that involved
the lively Odemwingie and Martins.

A defensive error, by Danny Shittu right inside the six-yard box, almost gifted the Asians a third goal in the 85th minute.

Both teams played out a 2-2 draw in a 2010 World Cup group match in
South Africa. It was a result that qualified the Taejuk Warriors to the
knockout stage of South Africa.