Some leading football stakeholders in Nigeria have called on the Super Eagles to keep the fighting spirit they exhibited in the 1-0 victory over the Elephants of Cote D’ Ivoire in their second group match at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The three-time African champions started the AFCON campaign on a shake note after they managed to force lowly rated Equatorial Guinea to a 1-1 draw.
However, against all odds, the Super Eagles clawed their way back when they put up a spirited fight to edge hosts Cote D’Ivoire 1-0 on Thursday to take control of the group that includes Equatorial Guinea and Guinea-Bissau.
Speaking to Trust Sports, the Chairman of the FCT Football Association, Alhaji Adam Mouktar Mohammed, said the Super Eagles have done well for themselves and the country.
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He, therefore, advised them to keep up the good job and ensure they win their final group match against the whipping boys Guinea-Bissau.
“The Super Eagles did a marvelous job against Cote D’ Ivoire and deserve commendation. They showed the determination and fighting spirit we always want to see from them.
“However, they should immediately shift focus to their next match against Guinea-Bissau. They have to win to be sure of winning the group.”
In the same vein, a former Nigerian international, Garba Lawal, expressed satisfaction and said the victory didn’t come to him as a surprise.
“The victory was well deserved. The Super Eagles gave the Ivorians a run for their money right in front of their teeming fans. If they keep up the hard work, they will go very far in the championship. After all, they now have the full backing of their fans,” said the Olympic champion.
A former Chairman of the Gombe State Sports Commission, Malam Faruk Yarma, also showered praises on the Super Eagles and advised them to keep the momentum.
According to him, the toughest battles will begin at the knock-stages of the competition.
“The Super Eagles have silenced most of their critics but it is not yet uhuru. Now, they have given their fans a reason to back them fully.
“But there are tougher matches ahead so they must maintain the high standard they showed against Cote D’ Ivoire,” said the former Commissioner for Youth Empowerment in Gombe State.
The Super Eagles will play their final group match against Guinea-Bissau on Monday, January 22.
