Super Eagles coach Stephen Keshi basking in the euphoria of a big
victory over Africa Nations Cup favourites, Cote d’Ivoire has blasted
Nigerians. Keshi who said that his team did not enjoy the needed support before
the Eagles game against Elephants on Sunday carpeted the fans for their lack of
patience.
victory over Africa Nations Cup favourites, Cote d’Ivoire has blasted
Nigerians. Keshi who said that his team did not enjoy the needed support before
the Eagles game against Elephants on Sunday carpeted the fans for their lack of
patience.
Against all odds and bookmakers rating, Nigeria reached the semi-finals
of the Nations Cup after beating the Ivorians 2-1 at the Royal Bafokeng
Stadium, Rustenburg.
of the Nations Cup after beating the Ivorians 2-1 at the Royal Bafokeng
Stadium, Rustenburg.
Keshi said, “I thank the players, Nigerians and all those who criticised
the team. They all contributed to the victory we had today. The big challenge
we have is that Nigerians do not believe in the home-based players but I do. I
believe if they are given the opportunity they’ll play much better. The problem
is that in Nigeria, where I come from, we’re not patient with the home-based
players.”
the team. They all contributed to the victory we had today. The big challenge
we have is that Nigerians do not believe in the home-based players but I do. I
believe if they are given the opportunity they’ll play much better. The problem
is that in Nigeria, where I come from, we’re not patient with the home-based
players.”
In Sunday’s match, Nigeria scored first through a thunderous free-kick
from Emmanuel Emenike but the Ivorians equalised early in the second half and
seized control of possession before Warri Wolves’ Sunday Mba scored the winner.
Keshi said he had no doubt that Nigeria would win even after the Eagles
conceded the equaliser while avoiding singling out any individual player as
hero of the game.
from Emmanuel Emenike but the Ivorians equalised early in the second half and
seized control of possession before Warri Wolves’ Sunday Mba scored the winner.
Keshi said he had no doubt that Nigeria would win even after the Eagles
conceded the equaliser while avoiding singling out any individual player as
hero of the game.
“It wasn’t about individual game; we just wanted to win the game. It
wasn’t just Sunday Mba who was the hero; everyone in the team was a hero. Mba
scored the golden goal, and I’m just so happy. Maybe I have to give him a kiss
if I see him,” Keshi said.
wasn’t just Sunday Mba who was the hero; everyone in the team was a hero. Mba
scored the golden goal, and I’m just so happy. Maybe I have to give him a kiss
if I see him,” Keshi said.
“What is important is that we are progressing everyday and I hope that
we will keep growing that way. Nobody gave us a chance to beat the Ivorians
because of their quality but we have done it today.”
we will keep growing that way. Nobody gave us a chance to beat the Ivorians
because of their quality but we have done it today.”
While assessing the opponents, Keshi noted that although Nigeria won the
match, it was a difficult game for the Eagles.
match, it was a difficult game for the Eagles.
“We are not ready to go home and that’s what has happened. We wrestled
against great players like Didier Drogba and Yaya Toure and it’s good to end
such contest with victory,” he said.
against great players like Didier Drogba and Yaya Toure and it’s good to end
such contest with victory,” he said.
The Eagles should laugh to the bank with the victory over the Ivorians.
The players were promised $15,000 each if they secured a semi-final ticket over
their fellow West Africans. The amount does not include the $100,000 donated to
the team by Rivers Governor Rotimi Amaechi and the pledge made by billionaire
businessman Alhaji Aliko Dangote.
The players were promised $15,000 each if they secured a semi-final ticket over
their fellow West Africans. The amount does not include the $100,000 donated to
the team by Rivers Governor Rotimi Amaechi and the pledge made by billionaire
businessman Alhaji Aliko Dangote.
Nigeria’s semi-final match is on Wednesday. The third place match for
losers will hold on Saturday while the final match of the competition is billed
for Sunday in Johannesburg.
losers will hold on Saturday while the final match of the competition is billed
for Sunday in Johannesburg.
Source: Punch
