Football fans across the
country, celebrating the home-based Super Eagles’ victory against their Republic of Niger counterparts at the ongoing Championship for African Nations (CHAN) have urged them to remain focussed.
Tidesports reports that the Eagles on Monday in their opening group game, defeated the Mena of Niger 4-1 at the Stade de Kigali Stadium, Rwanda.
The fans also appealed to the Eagles not to be complacent but to concentrate on their remaining matches for them to triumph in the tournament.
In Ebonyi, the fans hailed the precision with which the home-based Eagles ‘annihilated’ Niger Republic, saying they won because of the coach’s tactical analysis of the match after the first half.
They also attributed the victory of the Nigerian boys to the players’ adherence to the instructions of their coach.
Chief Nicodemus Omenka, a former Ebonyi Commissioner for Sports, commended the team for its precision in all departments of the match, especially in the second half.
“The players showed utmost desire to win which reflected in the way they ‘annihilated’ Niger, especially in the second half.
“I could not agree less with the Supersports Television Network commentator, who remarked that Nigeria is a country blessed with immense footballing talents,’’ he said.
Harrison Obasi, Coach of Amateur League side, Ebonyi United FC, also praised Coach Sunday Oliseh for his tactical dexterity, noting that he analysed the first half efficiently.
“Oliseh realised that the Nigerien defenders always play the Nigerian strikers offside in the first half because they relied on long passes from the defence and midfield.
“He then deployed tactics where the passes came from the wings and on the ground from the midfield, this made the linesman get tired of ‘blowing’ for offside,” he said.
Palmer Iyanwa, a player of Defunct Anambra State Environmental Sanitation Agency (ASESA) Warriors, expressed joy over the hat-trick and heroic contributions of Chisom Chikatara in the match.
“Chikatara showed that his consistent form for Abia Warriors was no fluke as he painted a positive picture of the talents which abound in the Nigerian league.
“He ensured that Oliseh’s second half tactics worked by meandering through the Nigerien defence which checked their offside tactics and also positioned him effectively for goals,’’ he said.
Mr Elvis Ikwu, a Dentist, however warned the Eagles against complacency in their subsequent matches, especially against teams such as Tunisia with an “imposing domestic football’’ pedigree.
“This is the team’s first match and it will meet more established teams than Niger on their way to clinching the ultimate victory.
“The players should approach subsequent matches with utmost seriousness as they are presently the target of all teams in the competition,’’ he said.
Mrs Nnenna Mgbada, a civil servant, called on Nigerians to continue praying for the team, adding that the Nigerian team had a long way toward achieving its goal.
“The Nigerian Football Federation (NFF), should ensure that the players are well motivated to ensure total concentration all through the competition,’’ she said.
In Okitipupa, Ondo State, the fans told NAN that the victory was a sign that the Eagles have bounced back to their winning ways.
Coach Samson Unuanel of Sunshine Stars FC of Akure, who commended the Eagles victory, said that they have put smiles on the faces of football fans across the country.
“I think the Eagles are back on their winning ways and if they can continue like this, they will go far in the championship,’’ he said.
From Jos, Coach Gbenga Ogunbote of Giwa FC, advised the national team players to intensify their fighting spirit to win other matches.
“I think they have performed well, but they should sustain the fighting spirit for them to be victorious in subsequent matches,’’ Ogunbote said.
Michael Akintunde, a sports presenter, hailed the Eagles technical and coaching crew for excellent jobs.
He urged the team to always play to instructions to win other matches.
“I think the technical crew has done a very good job; I only wish the players will continue to play to instructions in other matches,’’ Akintunde said.
Another sports analyst, Oluwatoyin Olafusi, said that the team should not be carried away by the euphoria of the victory but should concentrate more on other matches ahead.
Tidesports gathered that the Eagles’ second half goals from Osas Okoro and a hat-trick from Abia Warriors of Umuahia scoring sensation, Chisom Chikatara left the Nigeriens without a point from the encounter.
The Tidesports source further reports that the Eagles will play their second match against Tunisia on Friday.