Football fans and adminis
trators in Nigeria have hailed the victory of the Super Eagles over the Ethiopia national team in their 2014 FIFA World Cup Qualifier in Addis Ababa.
Harrison Okagbue, a former coach of the Ugandan national side, said the Super Eagles gave a good account of themselves as they were able to withstand the strong Ethiopians.
Okagbue however faulted the Eagles technical crew’s decision to employ space marking in the team’s defensive approach, saying “contact marking’’ would have been a better approach.
“I like what happened. The match was alright, and we got the win which we most desire,’’ he said.
The coach however advised that the team’s handlers should prepare the players better for the Ethiopians.
“In our next match, we have to check their (the Walya Antelopes) energy by not giving them space to operate.
“If we employ contact marking, their power will reduce and our victory in Nigeria will be assured.
“However, I congratulate them (the Eagles) for doing us proud,’’ he said.
Victor Nwangu, a Match Commissioner with the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF), said the ability to come from behind to clinch victory on away ground showed the team’s character and discipline.
He said while there were some questionable refereeing decisions during the match, the Nigerian players’ determination gave them victory.
Former national team goalkeeper, Emmanuel Okala, in his reaction said the result was a product of good preparation.
“It was a great match, and I saw it coming because they prepared well. The weather conditions did not affect them so much, as they are a good side.
“However, in their next match, coach Stephen Keshi should bring out the best boys in the team and seal victory in Calabar,’’ he said.
Also, Football fans in Ebonyi attributed the Super Eagles’ 2-1 victory over the Walya Antelopes in Addis Ababa in a 2014 World Cup Qualifier to divine intervention.
A cross-section of the fans told newsmen after the match that God saw Nigeria through.
They said this was in spite of “obstacles such as unfavourable weather, high altitude and the poor state of the pitch’’.
Joseph Eworo, the Abakaliki Township Stadium Manager, said the Eagles won the match “due to God’s Grace as the Ethiopians had an upper hand’’.
He said the Eagles only rediscovered their focus when the Ethiopians scored their goal.
Moses Uguru, a sports administrator, however urged fans to bear with the Eagles as they played under unfavourable weather condition.
“The high altitude adversely affected the players, which accounted for their poor play in the first half, as they appeared sluggish in their approach.
“The poor state of the pitch also contributed to their unconvincing approach to the game, as the players who mainly play on smooth pitches in Europe struggled to control the ball,” he said.
Bismarck Okwum, an Ebonyi Stars FC defender, however congratulated the Eagles for the victory.
“Nigerians should be happy that the team won the match in the end and not be bothered about the overall performance of the team during the game,” he said.
Mrs Grace Ogbonna, a Physical Health Instructor called on the Nigeria Football Association (NFA) and Nigerians to continue to support the Eagles until the 2014 World Cup ticket was secured.