My Goal Against Atletico Madrid A Message to Gernot Rohr....Usman Muhammed

By Niyi Busari All thanks to the GotvMax Cup international friendly match between the Super Eagles team B and Uefa Europa Cup champions, Atletico Madrid on Tuesday at the Godswill Akpabio stadium Uyo. The friendly match unearth some quality players who are not included in the world cup 30-man provisional team list, that made Nigerians to ask Super Eagles coach, Gernot Rohr to consider the Nwakali brothers and few other players into the 30-man world cup list. Former FIFA U-17 champions, Kelechi Nwakali scored a mouth watering goal as he calmly curled the ball from 30 yards to beat one of the best goalkeeper in the world Oblak to give the Super Eagles a deserved lead. As if that was not enough, former U-23 silver medalist, Usman Muhammed who ply his trade in the Norwegian league took the spectators by surprise when he dribbled three Atletico Madrid defender before slotting the ball behind the net to level the scoreline (2-2). Speaking with www.bsnsports.com.ng, the former FC Taraba player, Usman Muhammed said: "When i was on the bench, i know it will be tough to get past the defenders. But i noticed that there was space in their defense. So when i came on, i explored the opportunity because the defenders are relaxed. Reacting to how he got the calmness and confidence to do that, he said, "It is self belief, one of my coach in Europe told me that whenever i find myself in the 18 yard box, i should not be in hurry to score until i am sure i can score. I have tried what i did tonight in training and it has become part of me. I have done it several times and i can still do it." The former Sokoto United and FC Taraba player believe that his sublime goal against one of the best European club is a message to the Super Eagles coaching crew. "With that my goal tonight, i think i have sent a message to the Super Eagles coaches. I believe they want the best for the team and want to go to world cup with the best legs." He concluded. The friendly match ended 3-2 in favour of the European Europa Cup champions, Atletico Madrid.