Basking in the euphoria of a big victory over Africa Nations Cup favourites, Cote d’Ivoire, Super Eagles coach, Stephen Keshi, has blasted Nigerians for not trusting in the abilities of his boys to perform the magic needed to triumph over the Elephants.
Keshi who said that his team did not enjoy the needed support before the Eagles game against Elephants on Sunday carpeted the fans for their lack of support for his team when needed.
Keshi said, “I thank the players, Nigerians and all those who criticised the team. They all contributed to the victory we had today. The big challenge we have is that Nigerians do not believe in the home-based players but I do. I believe if they are given the opportunity they’ll play much better. The problem is that in Nigeria, where I come from, we’re not patient with the home-based players.”
“It wasn’t about individual game; we just wanted to win the game. It wasn’t just Sunday Mba who was the hero; everyone in the team was a hero. Mba scored the golden goal, and I’m just so happy. Maybe I have to give him a kiss if I see him,” he added.
In Sunday’s match, Nigeria scored first through a thunderous free-kick from Emmanuel Emenike but the Ivorians equalised early in the second half and seized control of possession before Warri Wolves’ Sunday Mba scored the winner. Keshi said he had no doubt that Nigeria would win even after the Eagles conceded the equaliser while avoiding singling out any individual player as hero of the game.
“What is important is that we are progressing everyday and I hope that we will keep growing that way. Nobody gave us a chance to beat the Ivorians because of their quality but we have done it today.”
With this victory, Olufamous.com gathered that Super Eagles players should smile to the bank with the victory over the Ivorians. The players were promised $15,000 each if they secured a semi-final ticket over their fellow West Africans.
The amount does not include the $100,000 donated to the team by Rivers Governor Rotimi Amaechi and the pledge made by billionaire businessman Alhaji Aliko Dangote.
