Football loving Nigerians have hailed the Super Eagles over yesterday’s vital three points secured against the Harambee Stars of Kenya in a Group F tie in the 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifying series.
Nigeria’s Ahmed Musa was on target in the 81st minute to assure of the three points, in a match played at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.
A former Green Eagles’ winger, Adokiye Amiesimaka commended Coach Stephen Keshi for working out a tactical game plan that gave the Eagles the slim but vital 1-0 victory.
Amiesimaka said shortly after the match that Keshi had proven that Nigerian coaches had the qualities to assemble a formidable team.
The Dolphins of Port Harcourt’s Media Officer, China Acheru said the Eagles deserved to win, having dominated most of the game in Kenya.
”I am happy at the performance. The team did very well. Keshi promised to give Nigerians a good team for the 2014 World Cup and I think he is on the right track,’ he said.
Tarila Okorowanta, a former Flying Eagles winger, also applauded the Super Eagles for the 1-0 victory against the Kenyans. “It is a good performance which I must commend. It is an indication that they are committed to qualifying for the world Cup.
Mutiu Adepoju, a former Team Manager of Shooting Stars of Ibadan (3SC), said: “It was a very good match and we are back at the top, where we belong as African champions.
“This victory is going to motivate the team to put in their all in our next match against Namibia,’’ he said.
Sanusi Mohammed, the NFA director of competitions said: “we thank God for this victory and I am highly delighted.
Friday Ekpo, a former Super Eagles Midfield maestro, said it was a deserved victory: “They (Eagles) should take other matches seriously and ensure that the country qualifies for the World Cup,’’ he said.
Bright Omokaro, another former Super Eagles defender, said: “it’s a good feeling, knowing that the Super Eagles are forging ahead. The victory is immense and I am very happy about it’’.
Harrison Okagbue, a former Harambee stars coach, said he was happy the Eagles had done it: “I am very happy, the Keshi boys have done it again. I wish him well in the World Cup journey and pray they make the country happy’’.
In Umuahia, soccer fans who were relieved to learn that the Eagles eventually won the match, however, voiced their frustrations over failure to watch a live telecast of the match.
No television network relayed the match.
At least 200 fans, who had gathered at a popular viewing centre on Eket Street for the match, left the place in frustration, after being informed that the match would not be transmitted live.
Sam Ukonu, an ardent follower of the Eagles, said the situation was pathetic as they had abandoned their means of livelihood to watch the `all important match’.
“This is a very crucial match that we needed not to be told anything about. It is very disheartening that it is not coming on live and I don’t know what this country is turning into,” he said.
Onyedika Sampson, a civil servant, said that government should learn to satisfy the yearnings of its citizens.
He said that multi-national organisations doing business in the country should be made to be alive to their responsibilities, which he noted should include sponsorship of major football matches.