Football enthusiasts on Tuesday hailed the Super Eagles for the team’s good start to their campaign in the ongoing West African Football Union (WAFU) Cup of Nations in Ghana.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Super Eagles B team got their WAFU Cup campaign underway on a positive note with a 2-0 victory over their Sierra Leoneans counterparts on Monday night.
Late goals from Osas Okoro and Peter Eneji were the tonic needed by the Salisu Yusuf tutored lads to break the resistance of the impressive Lone Stars at the Cape Coast Stadium.
With the win, Nigeria progressed to the Group A, which also comprises hosts Ghana, Mali and Guinea.
A cross section of football enthusiasts who spoke to NAN noted that it was a hard fight won by the Ikechukwu Ezenwa side, adding that the team must sustain the momentum and team spirit.
Garba Lawal, an ex-international said teamwork was germane to the Eagles’ victory against a resilient Sierra Leonian side.
“It was a well-coordinated effort by the team from the goalkeeping, defence, midfield to the attacking departments.
“I must particular commend Ezenwa for putting up a ‘man-of-the-match’ performance.
“He was mountainous in goal and proved why he is ready for bigger tasks for the Super Eagles in future.
“I hope the boys can continue playing like this and if they do, they will definitely be a handful for any other team in the tournament,” he said.
Bala Mohammed, Technical Adviser of Niger Tornadoes FC said Rabiu Ali’s performance, among others, impressed him the most.
“Ali is a sure stopper when he gets his bearing in games.
“He was at the heart of the Eagles’ positive moves and linked up well with his wicked passes, just the way he does for Kano Pillars.
“Also, Osas Okoro and Chima Akas were always venturing forward and looking to provide support to the attackers.
“They provided width to the tactical system of the Super Eagles and weren’t found wanting.
“Okoro’s free kick was a typical “Television Goal” and he started the move that resulted in the second goal of the game.
“With this kind of performance, I think the boys will go very far in the tournament,” he said.
Coach Fidelis Ilechukwu of MFM FC praised Coach Salisu Yusuf for his tactical and technical prowess which saw the game turn on its head.
He explained that the positive substitutions made by the coach was unprecedented, noting that a difficult game was always won from the bench.
“The trio of Peter Eneji, Ubong Friday and Gabriel Okechukwu read a script dished out by Yusuf Salisu and acted it perfectly.
“The three attackers were menacing when they were thrown into the fray and that was the antidote needed to deal with such games.
“Kudos to the team for a hard-fought victory,” he said.
Dele Johnson, Coach of Henfield FC, Abuja said he was impressed by team’s style of play, adding that they made football look beautiful to watch.
“The team played a fluid and interesting game and the goal by Peter Eneji was a sweeping team move. Tic tac, sexy football, one touch game and whoops it landed at the back of the net.
“It was a one time finish from Eneji, who curled a low shot beyond the stranded keeper.
“The Plateau United man reminded fans of the predatory abilities of the late Rashidi Yekini with his goal poacher’s effort.
“Keep it up guys and keep flying the country’s flag high,” he advised.
