While it makes for an interesting and almost poetic coincidence that Sunday Mba scored on a Sunday and notably on the day of his birth, it’s unlikely that the decision to play him in specific matches, including the final against Burkina Faso, was solely based on the day of the week.
Team selection in football is generally determined by a coach’s strategic considerations, taking into account various factors such as the player’s form, fitness, tactics, and the specific strengths and weaknesses of the opponent. Stephen Keshi, being a charismatic and experienced coach, would have made decisions based on what he believed would contribute to the team’s success.
In the case of Sunday Mba, his impact with two decisive goals in the quarter-finals and the final certainly showcased his ability to make a difference in crucial moments. Coaches often make decisions about the starting lineup and substitutions based on a player’s recent performance, their compatibility with the team’s strategy, and the specific requirements of the match.
While the coincidence of scoring on a Sunday and the day of his birth adds a charming narrative to Sunday Mba’s story, it’s more likely that his inclusion in the starting lineup was a result of his footballing abilities and the tactical considerations of the coach rather than a decision based solely on the day of the week.
