Samuel Oladipupo Essoodee
Super Eagles narrow win over Guinea as secured them a leap into the round of 16, thus becoming the first country to get to the stage.
As they did against Burund,the Eagles could only score a goal that came in the second half.
While what matters most is the points, observers are worried that the team cannot yet score more than a goal each in the games in which they met lowly rated teams.
The fear is about what will happen when they get to meat the likes of Egypt, Senegal, Ivory Coast.
Yet, many Nigerians are happy that the eagles have advanced in the tournament.
For instance, fans in Enugu have hailed the team have hailed the team and express delight.
nistar Izuikem, coach of an amateur club in Enugu, Stars Plus FC, said that the team were made to work hard to get the victory from their opponents.
”I like the determination of the players and their zeal to score and defend their goal.
” It is a good improvement from the Super Eagles as they can score through a defender and no more depending on the strikers alone.
” Omeruo showed that he has been in the team for long by scoring and rescuing the team at the time of need.
”Although, it is 1 – 0 but I am happy considering the kind of improvement noticed from the team and the situation of the Syli national,” Izuikem said.
He said that Guinea needed the victory more than Nigeria needed it and that the defeat had put them in a precarious position.
Again, the Secretary, Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) Enugu chapter, Ignatius Okpara, said that the players still needed to play as a team.
He acknowledged that the Super Eagles did well by matching the Guinean national team strength to strength.
” What interests me most is that we are going through to the next round with whatever be the result of the last group matches,” he said.
Also, Enugu State Boxing coach, Blaise Ude, said that he was beginning to have interest in watching Nigeria’s match because of their determination in matches.
”I lost interest in watching national team matches but their recent zeal to win and facing teams strength to strength restored my lost interest.
” We deserve to be in the final but you have to count one before two; so I am happy we picked the points today and have the chance of reaching the next round with a match to play,” he said.
Coach Chiedozie Nwoye also expressed happiness for the Super Eagles qualification to round of 16 saying that such was expected of them.
”I am a Nigeria and it is always my wish that Nigeria should be wining tournaments.
” It was expected that the group would be difficult for Nigeria because their opponents are still young and could endure more than 90 minutes.
” For Omeruo to score in a tough match of this nature shows that the team can score from any department and it is good for their push to the AFCON glory,” Nwonye said.
