20th January, 2014
Football loving Nigerians have described the Super Eagles’ defeat of South Africa’s Bafana Bafana at the ongoing Africa Nations Championship, CHAN, as commanding and commendable.
Coach Stephen Keshi-led team proved critics wrong as they walloped hosts South Africa 3-1 in their last Group A match to advance to the quarter-finals.
The fans expressed joy at the victory, with some of them saying they were sure the Eagles would go all the way to the final. The Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu hailed the team as showcasing the “typical Nigerian spirit’’, adding that the Eagles showed “great improvement’’ and deserved the victory.
“I am indeed proud of the Super Eagles for showing resurgence, character, a high sense of patriotism and indeed that entertaining football that stands the nation’s football out,” he said.
Ebere Umunna, an engineer, said the players proved to others that Nigeria are worthy African champions. “I am happy that the Super Eagles have shown that winning the 2013 AFCON title about a year ago right there in South Africa was not a fluke. I see them going all the way to lift the CHAN title,” he said.
Femi Oyelade, an information technology (IT) consultant, noted that the players had once again shown that Bafana Bafana was not on the same level with the Eagles. “The boys have once again been separated from the men,” he said.
Audu Yisa, a businessman, gave kudos to Christantus Ejike, who he said deserved to win the man-of-the-match award.
“Ejike stood out as my man-of-the-match. His tackles, discipline and finesse in front of goal are worthy of mention.
“I see him going places. A lot of European clubs will come for him after the tournament,” he said. Richmund Atu-Johnson, another football fan, said he was happy that the team’s goalkeeper, Chigozie Agbim, redeemed himself after a poor show of form in the first two group games.
“Agbim was fantastic in goal today. He made a lot of wonderful saves, which was key to the team’s victory.
“He really stood up to be counted, when it really mattered most and we are proud of him,” he said.
Bassey Eyo, an entrepreneur, noted that the defence of the Eagles’ also deserved commendation.
“The boys were strong and disciplined at the back. The likes of Azubuike Egwuekwe and Solomon Kwambe were solid and really performed as expected, especially towards the final minutes of the game,” he said.