NAN
A cross-section of Abuja-based football fans on Sunday described the Super Eagles’ defeat of South Africa’s Bafana Bafana at the ongoing Africa Nations Championship as commanding and commendable.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Nigeria on Sunday defeated hosts South Africa 3-1 in their last Group A match at the competition to advance to the quarter-finals.
The fans expressed joy at the victory, with some of them saying they were sure the Eagles would go all the way to the final.
Ebere Umunna, an engineer, said the players proved to others that Nigeria are worthy African champions.
“I am happy that the Super Eagles have shown today (Sunday) that winning the 2013 AFCON title about a year ago right there in South Africa was not a fluke.
“I see them going all the way to lift the CHAN title,” he said.
Femi Oyelade, an information technology consultant, noted that the players had once again shown that Bafana Bafana was not on the same level with the Eagles.
“The boys have once again been separated from the men,” he said.
Audu Yisa, a businessman, gave kudos to Christantus Ejike, who he said deserved to win the man-of-the-match award.
“Ejike stood out as my man-of-the-match. His tackles, discipline and finesse in front of goal are worthy of mention.
“I see him going places. A lot of European clubs will come for him after the tournament,” he said.
Richmund Atu-Johnson, another football fan, told NAN he was happy that the team’s goalkeeper, Chigozie Agbim, redeemed himself after a poor show of form in the first two group games.
“Agbim was fantastic in goal today. He made a lot of wonderful saves, which was key to the team’s victory.
“He really stood up to be counted, when it really mattered most and we are proud of him,” he said.
Bassey Eyo, an entrepreneur, noted that the defence of the Eagles’ also deserved commendation.
“The boys were strong and disciplined at the back. The likes of (Azubuike) Egwuekwe and (Solomon) Kwambe were solid and really performed as expected, especially towards the final minutes of the game,” he said.
NAN reports that Nigeria finished second in Group A with six points, while Mali topped the group with seven points after defeating Mozambique 2-1 in the other group match.
South Africa placed third with four points, while Mozambique finished at the bottom of the group with zero point.
Mali and Nigeria have thus qualified for the quarter-finals of the championship.
