NAN-H-57
Ecstasy
By Victor Okoye
Abuja , Nov. 12, 2016 (NAN) Sports enthusiasts on Saturday in Abuja expressed their delight over the Super Eagles victory against the Desert Foxes of Algeria.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Victor Moses’ brace and a goal from Captain Mikel Obi was all it took for Nigeria to claim a resounding victory over their Algerian counterparts.
The Algerians, however, got a consolation goal through Nabil Bentaleb for a 3-1 score line.
A cross section of sports enthusiasts, who spoke to NAN, said the result over the Algerians was ‘fantastically surprising’, while others noted that the team was still a work in progress.
Bitrus Bewarang, Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Technical Director, said it was a very good performance, adding that the score line was the ‘icing on the cake’.
“Good performance, good result, six points in the kitty,” he said.
Godwin Bamigboye, the Chairman, Nigeria Coaches Association, FCT Chapter said it was a blend of youthfulness and experience that did the magic.
“There is hunger and fire in the youth, while the determination to keep their shirts by the old brigade is bringing the best out of the players.
“I predicted a 1-0, 2-1 victory for the Eagles but was pleasantly surprised to see a 3-1 score at the end. It could have been even more.
“Over all the boys did well, but there are still areas that need to be perfected, especially at the defence department,” he said.
Patrick Ngwaogu, the Vice Chairman, FCT Football Association said it was a wonderful performance by the team, adding however that the team made some costly mistakes but were lucky not to have been punished.
“Good game, good pace, but the midfield went to sleep on several occasions, thereby exposing the defence at will.
“The Algerians would have been three goals up in the first half if they were clinical in front of goal,” he said.
Usman Ilerika, the Secretary, FCT FA noted that the boys gave a good account of themselves, adding that the feat was a sign of betters things to come out from the team.
“The best is yet to come, by the time proper understanding comes into the team, then we will be counting more than three goals,” he said.
Mansur Abdullahi, Coach of Warri Wolves FC said the team was in a good shape, adding that Coach Gernot Rohr must be given credit for the good job done so far.
“We must recognise the good job done by Rohr in eliminating the team’s weak points and always finding solutions to problems, like he did by playing Omeruo at right-back position today.
“He is a master tactician and his ability to read games is phenomenal.
“He pulled out Alex Iwobi when it became clear he had lost steam, and also brought on Wilfred Ndidi who slotted in well for Mikel.
“I think the team will get even better by next game,” he said. (NAN)
VO/YAZ
Edited by Yusuf Zango