Keshi
Super
Eagles coach Stephen Keshi basking in the euphoria of a big victory
over Africa Nations Cup favourites, Cote d’Ivoire has blasted Nigerians.
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 patience.
Against all odds and bookmakers rating,
Nigeria reached the semi-finals of the Nations Cup after beating the
Ivorians 2-1 at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium, Rustenburg.
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.”
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.
“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,” Keshi
said.
“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.”
While assessing the opponents, Keshi noted that although Nigeria won the match, it was a difficult game for the Eagles.
“We are not ready to go home and that’s
what has happened. We wrestled against great players like Didier Drogba
and Yaya Toure and it’s good to end such contest with victory,” he said.
The Eagles should laugh 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.
Nigeria’s semi-final match is on
Wednesday. The third place match for losers will hold on Saturday while
the final match of the competition is billed for Sunday in Johannesburg
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