Sadness and resignation in Nigeria after defeat

(14th February 2000)

Nigeria went to work Monday consoling each other that the 'Super Eagles' had played well in losing the African Nations Cup final, but still questioning the referee's decision that ended the game.

"It was a sad thing. We could have won. They played well," said Bola Akintola, a newspaper seller in the central Lagos Island district.

"Football means a lot in Nigeria," she said.

Immediately after Nigeria controversially lost 4-3 on penalties to Cameroon, after drawing 2-2 in extra-time, several hundred disappointed supporters ran onto the pitch at the National Stadium, Lagos, but were quickly dispersed by police.

Later, around the ground, some minor scuffles broke between police and unemployed local youths but ended quickly.

A Lagos police spokesman said Monday the city had been "very quiet" overnight.

On Monday morning, radio and television talk-shows were dominated by the previous days's match and a mixture of praise for both teams and criticism of the Tunisian referee Mourad Daami who disallowed a Victor Ikpeba penalty in the shoot-out.

Daami and his assistant Taoufik Adjengui disallowed the strike which television replays showed had clearly hit the crossbar and bounced well over the goal-line, before spinning back out of the goal.

The decision left Nigeria down 4-3 on penalties and gave Cameroon the match.

"Both teams played well. It was the referee that was bad. They should have made it a draw. Have two champions," one caller to a popular morning television programme said.

The Nigerian press Monday reported the match with mixed sadness and pride.

"Gloom, tears as Cameroon win Nations Cup," was the headline in The Guardian, under a photo showing Nigerian Captain Sunday Oliseh in tears on the podium picking up his losers medal. "Oliseh weeps" said The Punch. "Gallant Eagles bag silver" said the Daily Champion, showing a match shot.

But the Nigerian Tribune was more angry.

"Tunisian referee robs Eagles. Cameroon lifts cup," the paper said.

"Controversial penalty costs Nigeria Unity Cup," said the newspaper Vanguard.

Nigeria's third defeat in a Nations Cup final by Cameroon, after winning the competition twice, left many in Nigeria flat, deflating what had been plans for a St Valentines Party crowned by footballing success, the press said.