Nigerians are agog over the Super Eagels’ victory over the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon in the ongoing African Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Nigerians were relieved when the final whistle put paid to the aggression of arch-rival Cameroon , making Nigeria to qualify to face Angola in the quarter finals.
Two goals from Ademola Lookman, one in each half, gave the Super Eagles a 2-0 win over Cameroon’s Indomitable Lions for progress into the quarter-finals at the 2023 AFCON in Côte d’Ivoire.
Governor of Lagos state, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, a chieftain of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), described the win as incredible display.
Sanwo-Olu commended the team, while wishing them luck in the next match against Angola.
”I totally enjoyed the Super Eagles’ incredible display of teamwork and determination tonight against the team from Cameroon.
”From Osimhen’s hard work to Lookman’s brace to Ekong and Bassey’s very solid performances as well as Nwabali’s solidity, kudos to the entire team!
”Onto the quarterfinals! Let’s carry this momentum forward, Super Eagles. Best of luck in the next round, and may our journey in continue to shine bright,” he said.
Peter Obi, a Presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the February 2023 presidential election, had also congratulated the team for their efforts in the and for scaling through the group stage.
“I encourage them to double their efforts, while wishing them, and by extension our dear nation, Nigeria, a resounding victory. In spite of present odds and difficulties, we remain a nation of winners.
“Our football players carry the banner of our youth as ambassadors of our nation. I share and will always support their hope and the promise of the great nation we deserve and are working towards. It is Possible, ‘’ Obi said in his X handle.
“It is my desire to see a New and productive Nigeria, I am always delighted to read the inspiring success stories of Nigerians making outstanding impacts in their respective fields of endeavour, on the national and global stage. ‘’
Former Nigerian International, Henry Nwosu, said the Super Eagles are getting stronger and more coordinated in their play.
“Today, I have seen a more coordinated team, a more improved team. We are getting stronger and more determined away from some lacklustre performances in the group stage.
Nwosu praised the bravery of the Super Eagles and their determination to see off the arch rival, Cameroon in the knockout stage of the tournament.
“I am so happy for the Super Eagles, we never expected such a wonderful style of play from the squad. I was also nervous when our first choice goalkeeper was stretched off to be replaced by Uzoho.
“I was nervous because I know how dangerous the Cameroonians can be, but thank God our defenders were able to prevent outside shots which often troubles our goalkeeper.
“We in the business of football have been complaining about tactics and formation, but judging from the way we played today, if we continue, we are good for the final,”’ he said.
Football fans in Osogbo, in South West Osun state, were ecstatic as the fans were seen, after the match, singing, dancing and drinking their favourite drinks while expressing confidence in the national team’s ability of winning the AFCON tournament.
They applauded the Super Eagles’ head coach, Jose Peseiro, for the improvement in the team’s style of play as they advance in the tournament.
Saheed Ajayi, a football fan, said ,”I am very happy and impressed with the way the Super Eagles played today.
“Initially, I had doubt if Nigeria will be able to beat Cameroon, judging from the inability of the Super Eagles to score goals and how strong the Indomitable Lions are.
“But I am happy the Eagles were able to tame the lions. What a way to advance to the quarterfinals with two goals against Cameroon. The players were just superb.” he said
Egbetokun Samuel, said he was really impressed with Victor Osimhen, as he was able to steer the team to victory, even without scoring himself.
“Osimhen really impressed me today because he played like a committed and dedicated player to seeing Nigeria win.
“He was not selfish and he ensured the defence of the Cameroonians was constantly under pressure, which led to our first goal tonight.
“As you can see, I am savouring the victory with a bottle of chilled alcoholic beverage, I am celebrating the team and I believe Nigeria is winning this AFCON.” he said
Adebayo Oluwagbenga, said the formation the Super Eagles coach used was good and really worked for Nigeria, saying the team look unstoppable.
“The 3-4-3 formation adopted by the coach is really doing the magic for the team, as the players in every department performed extremely well.
“I believe and I am hopeful that, with the way the Eagles played tonight and defeating Cameroon, Nigeria can actually win the AFCON tournament.” he said
brahim Gusau, President of Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) described the performance as solid, saying: “We are proud of the team.”
“They did a great job tonight and we look forward to the quarter-finals with high expectations,” Gusau added.
Super Eagles forward, Ademola Lookman, says the team is getting better with each game.
Lookman whose brace helped Nigeria tame the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon in Abidjan said the Eagles were poised to soar in the tournament.
The diminutive winger who was named TotalEnergies Man of the Match said after the game that the win was a collective effort.
“Wow, we’re so happy to qualify for the quarter-finals.
“The more we play together, the more fluid we become. I’m standing here now but this award reflects the whole team’s performance,” he said.
Lookman commended the support from the Nigerian fans in the stands for giving the team the push to defeat the Cameroonians.
“I love this atmosphere, it’s incredible. Tonight our fans pushed us to the end because this was Cameroon, and when you wear the Super Eagles shirt, some games resonate more than others,” he said.
The Atlanta player said all attention would now be focused on the Angola game on Friday in Abidjan.
“Angola are a good team. We’ll analyse them and prepare.
“The further you go, the tougher it gets. So, we’ll take it game by game,” he said.
Echoe from Kano in North West Nigeria was all celebration as the Muslim dominated state rose to commend the team, Muzammil Yola, Assistant Secretary of SWAN , Assistant Secretary of SWAN , said the team had greatly improved and deserved the victory
“I am indeed proud of the Super Eagles for showing resurgence, character, a high sense of patriotism,” he said.
Aminu Garko, Chairman of the correspondents chapel of the NUJ, urged for prayers and support for the team, and also enjoined the Eagles to “build on their current form and go all out to clinch the trophy.
Muhammad Sadik, a coach, expressed happiness over the victory, saying “Honestly, I am impressed with the outcome of this match.’’
With this victory, the Super Eagles of Nigeria will face Angola in the next round by 6pm, at the Felix Houphouet-Boigny Stadium, Abidjan, on Friday, February 2, 2024.
