Ecstatic fans at the National Stadium, Surulere have congratulated the qualifications of Nigeria’s Super Eagles to the round of 16 at the ongoing African Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Egypt.
The Super Eagles of Nigeria became the first team to book a place in the round of 16 after defeating hard-fighting Guinea’s national team 1-0.
The match played at the Alexandria Stadium saw Kenneth Omeruo flick a header into the net in the 73rd minute to give the Eagles the needed win to progress to the next round ahead of others.
Speaking to NAN after the match on Wednesday, Chairman, Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Lagos chapter, Debo Oshundun, congratulated the Gernot Rohr-tutored team on their qualifications, adding that there were more hurdles to cross.
“It is a good result although a highly technical game; we still have more difficult hurdles ahead, but the most important thing is the maximum points.
“Nigeria is lucky to have qualified for the next round ahead of others and I hope the spirit in the team will remain for us to go far. The money released by the Federal Government is also a motivation.
“I pray that the team will be able to sustain the tempo and not underrate any team, especially now that we are playing Madagascar in the last group match.We need to win the match as well to serve as motivation for the team,” he said.
A veteran journalist, Kayode Tijani said that the expectations from the team to do well in the competition was high, hence they must be ready to up their games.
“Some of us have high expectation from the team; we expect them to do well, especially with their pedigree. For me the tactics was good enough so far.
“The substitution at the first game I think determines the lineup for the game against the Guineans with Ighalo coming in.
“Everybody knows the Eagles character, and I will want them to push to the semi-finals, although other teams are as well tough and not push overs.
“Also, I won’t like the team to be distracted with the issue of match bonuses, we need to prepare well ahead of the games,” he said.
Another independent sportswriter, Afolabi Oni, said that the modest win over the Guineans was not too good for the team, adding that tougher challenges might be an acid test too much for them.
“I have a reservation on their winning with a slim margin today, but this win coming from the latest crisis about match bonuses, which might have affected them physiologically, it might be acceptable.
“One goal in the first and second game are not convincing enough because if they happen to face a stronger opponents who score before them, then, they may be in trouble,” he said.
A fan, Leye Adisa said that the though the match was a tough one for the Eagles, they were able to show character in the match.
“The match was a tough one because the Guinean team also needs the match to progress, so they did not take any chance, more so, they also have good players like Nigeria.
“The Super Eagles showed character today and an improvement from the last match against the Burundians. Qualification to the next round is what we need now and not beautiful football,” he said.
