3rd January, 2013
Chief Coach of Nigeria’s Super Eagles, Stephen Keshi was impressed with the performance of his players who played 1-1 against Catalonia in an international friendly in Spain Wednesday night.
The Eagles forced a Catalonia selected side, that featured Barcelona stars such as Xavi, Gerrard Pique and Carles Puyol to a 1-1 draw as part of their build-up for this month’s African Cup of Nations.
Skipper Sergio Gonzalez scored for Catalonia through a penalty kick in the 3rd minute, before Bright Dike equalised for Nigeria in the 56th minute.
Keshi, who was proud of his players said the Eagles would build on the success achieved with the game, as Nigeria get set for the African championship which kicks off on 19 January in South Africa.
“It was a great game. I must commend the players because they played to instructions. The purpose of the friendly was to try out some formations and tactics and not to win at all cost.
“But, knowing the pedigree and quality of our opponents, the boys gave their all and I must commend them and also Nigerians for their prayers. It’s a test and confidence-building game. We must however build on what we did in catalonia in our subsequent matches,” Keshi told MTNFootball.com.
Goal scorer, Bright Dike said the 1-1 draw with Catalonia will lift the Super Eagles are ready for the Nations Cup.
The Portland Timbers of USA star, Dike scored the equaliser for Nigeria in the 56th minute to ensure Nigeria took something out of the friendly, as Nigeria slumped 5-0 to the same team five years ago.
“This game should build confidence and belief in the team,” a thrilled Dike told MTNFootball.com
“It was a tough match; Catalonia possessed the ball very well. We made some mistakes but that’s what all of these games are for, to correct those mistakes.”
Dike said he will dedicate his first goal for Nigeria to Almighty God. “I dedicate the goal to God who made it possible for me to score after I got a great pass from Onazi. The goal gave me an amazing feeling,” said the forward, who made his Eagles debut against Venezuela in November, 2012.
“I feel great to score the all-important goal but it is not only me that scored the goal, it was a collective effort and I thank my teammates for the chance”.
Nigeria went home with the trophy at stake, having won the tie on an away goal rule.