The Liverpool hero was a spectator for large chunks of the clash as Nigeria forced a painful defeat down the Egyptian throats
Nigerians on social media have turned the heat on Egypt’s inspirational captain and talismanic star Mohamed Salah following his below-par performance in his side’s 1-0 loss to the Super Eagles on Tuesday.
The global attention was on Salah ahead of the Pharaohs’ opening group game against Nigeria at the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon.
Regarded as one of the world’s finest attackers, two-time CAF Player of the Year Salah was expected to cause the Super Eagles’ defence tons of problems with his speed, dribbling, and finishing.
And with the West Africans missing a few key stars, including Napoli’s Victor Osimhen, not many gave them much of a chance against the North Africans.
But a makeshift centre-back pairing of Watford’s William Troost-Ekong and Leganes’ Kenneth Omeruo made Salah look ordinary for most of the encounter.
Instead of the expected Mo Salah Show, it was Nigeria’s Moses Simon, Joe Aribo, and Kelechi Iheanacho who took centre-stage, with the latter scoring the all-important winning goal in the 30th minute.
Nigerian fans could not hide their delight at the Super Eagles win. More significantly, they could not tame the urge to knock Salah for a lame display.
Below are some of their reactions on Twitter.
“Mo Salah for Liverpool, Ofe nsalah for Egypt,” – Gunslow
Mo salah for Liverpool, Ofe nsalah for Egypt
— Jozy (@Gunslow) January 11, 2022
Salah think say Na Ruben Dias e Dey play. Baba, Omeruo don pursue Corolla for inside traffic. U think say Na play? – razaqisaaa
Salah think say Na Ruben Dias e Dey play. Baba, Omeruo don pursue Corolla for inside traffic. U think say Na play?
— BBCKOGI AFCON CORRESPONDENT (@razaqisaaa) January 11, 2022
Nah, Afcon is too funny and humbling? You will see World beaters fighting for their damn lives against niggas that casually run from Oshodi to Ikorodu when there’s traffic. – 5vennn
Nah, Afcon is too funny and humbling? You will see World beaters fighting for their damn lives against niggas that casually run from Oshodi to Ikorodu when there’s traffic.
— 境井 仁 (@5vennn___) January 11, 2022
Salah trying to dribble people that thrive on idea ball. Seen all his moves before he even did it. – Not Uche
Salah trying to dribble people that thrive on idea ball.
— Uche (@Not_Uche) January 11, 2022
Seen all his move before he even did it.
TWO defenders just outpaced Salah at the same time. I’m crying. Afcon is not a joke. – Neosvy
TWO defenders just outpaced Salah at the same time. I'm crying. Afcon is not a joke.
— Nux (@neosvy) January 11, 2022
This Egypt team is basically Salah and His Habibis. – King Wole
This Egypt team is basically Salah and His Habibis
— Wole (@Kingwole) January 11, 2022
BREAKING: Mo Salah just escaped the team bus and ran straight to the empty stadium trying to score into Nigeria’s goal – Gideoomatic
https://twitter.com/Gideoomatic/status/1480968476298969088
Salah thinks it’s by dribbling like Werey up and down, Ogbeni na nations cup be this, Na Eba and Apku Dey here. – Dammiedammie
Salah thinks it’s by dribbling like Werey up and down , Ogbeni na nations cup be this , Na Eba and Apku Dey here 😂💀#NGAEGY pic.twitter.com/az50IbaayY
— Oyindamola🙄 (@dammiedammie35) January 11, 2022
Salah thinks his shimmy shimmy will work against area boys. We have the ancestors on our side, mate. – SVCarbaholic
Salah thinks his shimmy shimmy will work against area boys. We have the ancestors on our side mate
— Tony Soprano (@SVCarbaholic) January 11, 2022
Comrade abeg put that Salah meat, yes that one, the one wey 9ja slaughter. – Myka_veli
Comrade abeg put that Salah meat, yes that one, the one wey 9ja slaughter pic.twitter.com/xXvxvWaXcc
— Ifeanyichukwu ☢️ (@Myka_veli) January 11, 2022
Salah will get the chance to redeem his battered image when Egypt take on minnows Guinea-Bissau on January 15.