Keshi Thanks NFF, Players For Bronze Effort…Tips CHAN Four For Brazil 2014

After a memorable six weeks with home-based Super Eagles players culminating in a bronze medal effort at the just concluded SA 2014 CHAN African Nations Tourney, team’s Head Coach, Stephen Okechukwu Keshi has anchored the success story of the team on the support he has received from the Nigeria Football Federation, and by extension the Sports Ministry, the players and members of staff of the team.

Addressing the team and its officials late Saturday night, Keshi says the NFF have been very supported, the players have opportunity to lay a claim to the World Cup place in Brazil and the staff of the team have been totally committed to the job of uplifting Nigerian football.

From the players he singled out Ejike Uzoenyi, the Most Valuable Player of the CHAN 2014 for special mention, noting that at a point the player’s form dropped drastically but he listened to advise to improve and today, he has become the MVP of a major championship in world and particularly African football calendar.

He thanked all his technical assistants for their invaluable advise. “From Amokachi to Shorunmu and Coach Valere, we spent hours together after dinner or games just strategizing and most times I come out to speak but they have been too supportive and I want to thank them.” Dayo Enebi Achor, team’s administrator got the plaudits on the part of the staff, with Keshi insisting that but for the near perfect professionalism of the staff and their self denial for nearly two months, success no matter how little would never have been achieved.

Keshi then made the following remarks, “It will be to my delight if four players from this team we have taken to CHAN can make it to the World Cup in Brazil, but you must be dedicated, respect your club coaches and make discipline your watchword”.

Uzoenyi Dedicates MVP To God, Teammates…Gets Plaudits From Mates

South Africa CHAN 2014 Player of the Tournament, Chrisantus Ejike Uzoenyi of Rangers International of Enugu, has attributed his feat to his strong believe in God, the immense support of his teammates and family members.

He also promised to ginger his teammates to battle for shirts in the coming summer World Cup in Brazil, because he believes that many of them are equal if not better than those who ply their trade outside the shores of Nigeria. He promised that the win of the MVP will not get him distracted, because he wants to eke a name for himself in Nigeria’s football annals.

All his 22 other teammates also believed that he was deserving of the title as many of them refused to acknowledge the petit playmaker, when he was named the tournament’s best.

His teammates however were full of praises for the Nigerian side, with Keshi himself noting the suddenly we are losing our heads again, because those we dashed drinks are now coming to ask for more.

Eagles Return Home After CHAN…Team Sorry For Trophy Miss…As Envoy Preaches Humility

Nigeria’s Super Eagles will return home on Sunday night after a hectic three weeks of participation at the CHAN African Nations Tourney. The first timers emerged with a bronze medal at the tourney, with skipper of the side, Chigozie Agbim, pleading with Nigerian for coming short.

“We came here with the intention to win the championship, but we could not make it, but we remain thankful to God that we came away with the bronze medal, the fair play trophy and we produced the Player of the Tournament.

The Nigerian side will depart Cape Town venue of the final on Sunday morning, head to Johannesburg and from there connect Lagos, from where the. team will leave for its final destination in Abuja on Tuesday morning after sleeping over in Lagos.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian Ambassador to South Africa, Ambassador Sunday S. Yusuf, has counseled the CHAN 2014 Super Eagles to make humility their watchword as they aspire for higher football challenges, with big money moves for some of the p[layers already looming.

The envoy who visited the team at dinner time at the Garden Court Hotel, said he was totally convinced at the prowess of the team and will stop at nothing to keep advertising the team to the highest level of governance in Nigeria. “President Goodluck Jonathan, whom I represent here is proud of you and all Nigerians are proud of this team also but we must allow the little success we have here to get into our heads”, he said.

Zimbabwean Coach: My Penalties’ Plot Failed…Salutes Eagles Work Rate

Zimbabwe National team coach, Ian Gorowa, says because one of his players was red carded in the first half of the third place game against Nigeria at the CHAN tournament, he planned for a penalty shoot-out to oust the Eagles but the plan failed him.

“When you are down in the first quarter of a game like that and against a strong side like Nigeria you will want to make a statement by being cautious and then eventually waiting for a penalty shoot-out. But we defended and defended and at a point we have to cave in to the fire-works. But I was really looking forward to a penalty shoot-out that never was.

He thereafter praised the resilience of the Nigerian side, while declaring that Zimbabwe as a country has garnered immeasurable knowledge for playing in the semi-final of the CHAN tourney, urging other SADC member nations to keep pushing for the top in African and world football.

CAF CHAN – My Defenders Shocked Me With Tackles-Konadu

Blackstars coach Konadu

My Defenders Shocked Me With Tackles-Konadu

…Eagles, Blackstars Co-habit In Cape Town

Black Stars of Ghana Coach, Maxwell Konadu, says he was shocked at the attitude of his defenders in the semi-final game against the Super Eagles of Nigeria on Wednesday and had to call them to order at a point if they were to avoid a second red card.

Speaking at Cape Town’s Garden Court hotel on Thursday afternoon, Konadu, said while he desires victory against Nigeria he never wanted to use unorthodox methods to achieve that. “Honestly, my defenders shocked me and I had to call them quickly to order, because it seems at a point they were losing their heads and it would have been very bad for us. But we are still very happy that we won the match at the end of the day.”

The coach said his side was not in any way better than the Eagles but were the luckier side on the night of the encounter. “We were the luckier side today and we have to savour it now until the Nigerians find an opportunity to take a revenge on us”, he said.

The Super Eagles returned to Cape Town on Thursday evening to commence preparation for the third place game against Zimbabwe. The team is returning to its abode at the Green Court hotel De Waal, where the Ghana Black Stars are also staying for the final day hostilities.

Minister Hails Eagles, Redeems Pledge…Maigari Doles Out $10,000 Promises Better Brazil 2014

Bolaji Abdulahi

Minister Hails Eagles, Redeems Pledge…Maigari Doles Out $10,000 Promises Better Brazil 2014

…Team Back In Cape Town For Warriors

Sports Minister, Hon Bolaji Abdulahi on Thursday morning hailed the resilience of the Super Eagles at the ongoing CHAN African Nations tournament in South Africa, declaring that Nigerians from President Goodluck Jonathan to the common man on the streets appreciate the team.

Speaking when he addressed the team at their President Hotel and Conference Centre in Bloemfontein, Abdulahi, said despite the Eagles losing via penalty shootout to Ghana in the semi-final of the CHAN tournament he was totally satisfied with the performance of the players and will continue to support the team to achieve more.

The Minister who was in company of NFF President Alhaji Aminu Maigari, Technical Committee Chairman, Barr Chris Green, and the Senate Committee Chairman on Sports, Adamu Gumba praised the leadership of the NFF and the technical crew for raising a team that has made Nigerians proud at the CHAN tourney. He thereafter redeemed his pledge of $100,000 to the team for defeating Morocco in the quarter final and another $100,000 for its sterling performance against Ghana despite losing on penalties.

He also urged the team to go ahead and win the third place match against Zimbabwe on Saturday, assuring that they will get the reward of the government when they do that.

NFF President Aminu Maigari, who himself personally doled out $10,000 to the team before the Ghana game on Wednesday, assured the Minister that the team will get better as it prepares for the Brazil 2014 World Cup. He said earnest preparations are already in place for an outstanding outing by the team at the championship.

According to media officer of the Ben Alaiya team Coach, Stephen Keshi and Captain Chigozie Agbim, assured that the team will not disappoint in the third place game to be played on Saturday in Cape Town. Keshi thanked the youthful Minister for his support for the team and assured that the team will get better with every opportunity on offer.

Confidence, Belief, Faith Won For Eagles-Maigari…Pres. Goodluck Expecting Trophy…Green Hails Team Spirit…Keshi Promises More

NFF President, Alhaji Aminu Maigari, was at his oratorical best on Sunday afternoon when he addressed the national team currently in action at the CHAN African Nations Tourney in South Africa after the team’s hard won victory over the Atlas Lions of Morocco Saturday.

Maigari, who spoke to the players at their Garden Court De Waal abode after lunch described the team as the proverbial heart of the Nigerian nation and told them that he has the words of President Goodluck Jonathan, on due reward for the players even as he said order has been restored in Nigerian football.

“The top news in Nigeria after your miraculous victory over Morocco, was the message of President Goodluck Jonathan urging you to go ahead and win the trophy, with a promise that he will do same if not much more for the team like he did for the Afcon 2013 Champions. The ball is now in your court to make the dreams of Mr President come true”, he said.

In one word, Maigari declared thus: “Confidence, belief and faith help you to overcome the Moroccan opposition and that is the makeup of the average Nigerian, we expect more of such displays in your subsequent encounters because you have raised not only my hope and that of the NFF board but that of the over 160million Nigerians.”.

NFF Technical Committee boss, Barr, Chris Green, said he was delighted at the performance of the Nigerian team, even describing Coach Keshi as the best coach in the world at the moment. He alluded the victories of the team of recent to the peaceful atmosphere that has existed between the leadership of the NFF and the Eagles coaching crew.

Green said, “some people are gifted, others acquire talent but the head coach here is both gifted and blessed with acquisition. But I must tell him that we must not fail Mr. President in bring home the trophy at the end of the championship”.

Keshi in his remarks at the impromptu event said he was overwhelmed by the outpouring of praises for him, but quickly added that his assistant coaches, Dan Amokachi, Houadonou Valere and Ike Shorunmu, as well as the staff of the team, made of medics, psychologist, security, media, coordinator and Team Administrator have been the real force of success for the team. “We are like children from the same mother”, Keshi said.

He promised that the team will not let the nation down in the remaining two matches of the championship. “We will do our best to justify the confidence reposed in this team by Mr. President, the NFF and all Nigerians”, he declared.

Maigari Pumps Up Keshi At 52…Tips Team For CHAN Honours…Hotel, Players Celebrate

Maigari Pumps Up Keshi At 52…Tips Team For CHAN Honours…Hotel, Players Celebrate

Nigeria Football Federation President, Alhaji Aminu Maigari, took his fatherly role a step higher when he was one of the first to wish Super Eagles Head Coach, Stephen Okechukwu Keshi, a happy 52nd birthday here in Cape Town through a phone call early Thursday.

After him was the Chairman of the NFF Technical Sub-Committee, Barr Christopher Green. In his message, Maigari said Keshi’s birthday is another opportunity for him to demonstrate his coaching and leadership credentials by winning the ongoing African Nations Tourney (CHAN), in South Africa. “On our part in the NFF, I can assure you that support will not be lacking despite the huge challenge of funding football. We congratulate you on the occasion of your birthday and while wishing you many happy returns we pray that you continue to bring Nigeria joy through excellent coaching of the national team with the immediate task being victory at the ongoing CHAN tourney”, he said.

Keshi himself said he was overwhelmed by the message of Maigari and other well meaning Nigerians and promised not to let the nation down. “As a matter of fact we have suspended any form of celebration till we achieve what we came here to do in South Africa”, he said.

The management of Green Court Hotel, will however steal a time during lunch hour to celebrate the coach, as the staff pulled out birthday balloons and cakes for the former Anderletch of Belgium and Strasbourg of France skipper. The players also sang the happy birthday song for Keshi, who was a bit taken aback by the spontaneity of the event. “All these for me, I’m surprised but very grateful”, he said as he admired the birthday balloons in the dinning hall.

The team continues preparation Thursday evening at the Green Point training ground here in Cape Town in preparation for Saturday’s quarter final duel against the Atlas Lions of Morocco.

Foreign based Super players Efe Ambrose, Ogenyi Onazi, John Ogu, Okwuosa Say No Stopping Eagles

Foreign based Super players Efe Ambrose, Ogenyi Onazi, John Ogu, Okwuosa Say No Stopping Eagles

Super Eagles players abroad and in South Africa have been sending messages of goodwill to their mates taking part in the ongoing CHAN African championship with most of them declaring that they believe there will be no stopping the Nigerian side from winning the trophy at stake.

Celtic of Scotland defender, Efe Ambrose has been calling every other day to check on the welfare of his mates from team administrator, Dayo Enebi Achor. “We have players who are experienced enough to win the championship and by God’s Grace they will”, he said.

Lazio midfield ace, Ogenyi Onazi called from Italy to wish Coach Stephen Keshi happy birthday and his teammates goodluck in their game against Morocco on Saturday. “At this point there is no stopping our team from winning the championship again”, he declared. Onazi said he has been in constant touch with some of the players in the team and he was certain that they have the right frame of mind to win the tournament.

Central defender, James Okwuosa, who plies his trade in South Africa with Chippa United, physically came to the Super Eagles Garden Court hotel abode, the third time he was doing so on Thursday morning. “I have come to see my friends and teammates and also to wish our lovely coach, Stephen Keshi, a happy birthday”, he said on Thursday morning. I also believe the team has crossed its biggest hurdle and by the end of the tournament Nigerians will surely smile”, he said.

Midfielder John Ogu, also called all the way from Portugal where he stars for Academica De Coumbria on Thursday. “We are so happy with what our mates are doing there in South Africa, they are really making us proud and help to tell them that we are backing them all the way to winning the trophy. There is no stopping Nigerian football again, we have come to stay at the very top with Coach Keshi. Happy birthday to the Big Boss”, he said excitedly.

NFF Chiefs Ginger Eagles Against Lions As Team Regroups…Egwuekwe Assures Maximum Concentration

Chief Mike Umeh and other members addressing Super Eagles players on Wednesday evening in Cape Town

After a day off on Tuesday to relax nerves ahead of their quarter final duel against the Atlas Lions of Morocco on Saturday, Nigeria’s Super Eagles resumed training on Wednesday evening at the Cape Town Stadium with top executive committee members of the Nigeria Football Federation, there to motivate the team.

Media officer of the team, Ben Alaiya revealed that The NFF team was led by Vice President of the Federation, Chief Mike Okeke Umeh and included Dr Adamu Muazu and Alhaji Ahmed Yusuf popularly known as Fresh. Addressing the players after over two hours of grilling under the now scorching Cape Town sun, Chief Umeh praised the team for the heroics against Bafana Bafana, saying he was there to speak on behalf of the federation President, Alhaji Aminu Maigari.

“The President asked me to tell you that you have done well so far but there is more job to be done and that is why we are here to remind you to listen to your coaches and deliver the goods against Morocco. Indeed you have shown the world that there is no Super Eagles team A or B again because of your performance here and we are sure that at the end of the day we will carry the day by taking the trophy home. Let me assure you that apart from President Maiagari and our father President Goodluck Jonathan, all other political parties in Nigeria are rooting for you to win without bias and you must prove them right by winning the trophy”. He also told the players and officials that the NFF President was expected in South Africa on Thursday.

Speaking later, gangling defence ace, Azubuike Egwuekwe, said he was thrilled by the address of the NFF leadership and assured that the players will not let the country down. He said the presence of the officials at training session has helped to boost the players’ morale and that will show on Saturday when the team tackles Morocco. “We have come thus far, we cannot afford to disappoint ourselves and the nation”, he said grinning.

Barr Christopher Green’s presence Bolsters Eagles Ahead Lions Clash…Tips Team For Final…Eagles Off Day Relaxes Stars…Agbim, Egwuekwe, Kwambe Hail NFF

Barr Christopher Green’s presence Bolsters Eagles Ahead Lions Clash…Tips Team For Final

The presence of the NFF Technical Sub-Committee boss, Barr Christopher Green has had an immediate impact in the scheme of things in the national team’s camp here in Cape Town with officials and players loving his contributions so far.

According to the media officer of the team Ben Alaiya, Rivers State FA boss arrived Cape Town the night before the game against Bafana Bafana and was immediately at the team’s lunch few hour’s later where he was received by Head Coach Stephen Keshi and other officials. The players were also spot on as the Bonny man knew each and everyone of them by name to the delight of the staff of the national team.

The outspoken Green did not stop there as he was back to the team’s most precious time before a game; the pre-match talk. There he told the players what he knows about the game after the unveiling of the match plan by Keshi, with all the stars nodding in appreciation. He was to say later that he believes that the team will make it all the way to the final of the CHAN Championship and make Nigerians in general and President Goodluck Jonathan in particular a happy man at the end of the championship.

Hear him: “we have a plan and the plan is to take this team all the way to the final and ofcourse win the trophy, we are not unconscious of the oppositions we have to surmount but this team is good enough for the CHAN title”, Green said.

Eagles Off Day Relaxes Stars…Agbim, Egwuekwe, Kwambe Hail NFF

There was a surprise off day for the Super Eagles from training on Tuesday and when the players were told late Monday night they could not believe it, with some suggesting that they rather not have a free day only to come back for a punishing session the following evening.

Azubuike Egwuekwe was first to speak, “ I love the free day because it will relax all of us but we know how it is when we return from such free days and I have told my mates to behave themselves. Some of us may not even go anywhere we will just use the opportunity to relax well”, he said.

Solomon Kwambe said it was not yet time to shop and he will go out but will wait to shop after the cup has been won. “We still have some time to do whatever it is that we want to do and part of it is buying things for our loved ones and that will happen after we have gone through the stages we want to get to,the trophy that we believe belongs to us”, he said.

Team Skipper, Chigozie Agbim, said he was delighted at the opportunity to relax but called on his mates to act according to camp rules. “We all know the rules and we will keep to them stringently but we must thank the technical crew for giving us the opportunity to unwind. We must also thank the NFF for all the support that they have been offering to the team by meeting all our demands since the second week of December last year”, he said. Spartan training for the quarter final duel against the Atlas Lions of Morocco resumes Wednesday evening in Cape Town.

Keshi-Eagles Still Work In Progress…Igesund Concedes Supremacy…As Team Resumes Training

Keshi: Eagles Still Work In Progress…Igesund Concedes Supremacy…As Team Resumes Training

Despite Super Eagles outstanding display against Bafana Bafana in their final group game on Sunday night, Head Coach, Stephen Okechukwu Keshi, says the team is still work in progress but expressed happiness that the players are finally playing to his instructions.

“The magic was that we simply asked the boys to go out there and play their game without pressure, enjoy your game and be yourself and I think they got that right perfectly against a very difficult opponent”. He also has harsh words for critics of some of his players, declaring that no one is perfect but we have to work on our imperfections to reach our goals. He was referring to the criticisms of first choice goalkeeper and captain, Chigozie Agbim.

On his part, South African Coach, Gordon Igesund, praised the physicality of the Super Eagles and attributed the success of the team to that against his side. “We have no excuses to give here, we simply lost to a better team and we don’t deserve to win today. I must congratulate Stephen Keshi and his team”, he declared on Sunday night.

He also said he expects the South African Football Association (SAFA), to allow him continue in his post because the team has really grown under him. Reeling out statistics, Igesund says under him the team has played 28 matches and scored 40 goals against some of the best national teams in the world including a defeat of reigning world champions Spain. “I am happy with these results and I hope I am allowed to continue to do my job with SAFA”, he said.

The Super Eagles will meanwhile take no break as they continue preparations for their quarter final game on Saturday in Cape Town. The team will train at 5pm local time, which is 4pm Nigerian time for now until a fresh training schedule is out.

Uzoenyi Dedidates Second Award To 4-Year Old Son…Promises More…Shehu Issues Eagles Battle Cry…Alampasu Compares Team To UAE Eaglet

Uzoenyi Dedidates Second Award To 4-Year Old Son…Promises More

Petit Super Eagles winger Ejike Uzoenyi, who has won back to back the Man of the Match for the national team at the ongoing CHAN tourney has dedicated the award to his four year old son David Uzoenyi, who turned four last Sunday, the day the match was played.

“Earlier in the day my wife called me to remind me that Junior was four years on the day and I promised her that I will give him a special present with my performance. That was exactly what I did with the two goals and my Man of the Match Award. I give God all the glory for all He has been doing for me”, he said.

Uzoenyi also seized the opportunity to correct impressions about his date of birth and true age. “Tell them I was born March 23 1992, all other reports to the contrary should be discarded because nobody but my parents can tell me my age”, he said with a wry smile.

While also thanking his teammates for the tremendous support he received throughout the games, Uzoenyi promised that he will get better in subsequent games of the championship. “We are here for a goal and we will not relent until we achieve that goal”, he said.

…..Shehu Issues Eagles Battle Cry…Alampasu Compares Team To UAE Eaglets

Emerging Super Eagles midfield star, Abdulahi Shehu, says the best is yet to be seen of the team as the African Nations Championship progresses, declaring that the team will be better in the knock out stages of the competitions.

Team’s Media Officer Ben Alaiya quotes the Kano Pillars middleman as saying thus: “tell them they have not seen anything yet, we are here for nothing but the trophy and we have shown that with our game against South Africa, but I must say that is not our best match, the games ahead will show our true quality”.

Shehu, who has been described by his injured team mates duo of Benjamin Francis and Ikenna Paul as the heart of the CHAN Eagles, said he was prepared to justify the huge confidence reposed in him by his teammates and the technical crew in the coming games and was sure to do the nation proud at the end of the tournament.

On his part teenage goalie, Dele Alampasu, said the loss against Mali jolted the Eagles to reality and there will be no mistakes until the cup is won. “The same thing happened to us at the U17 level when we all thought Sweden was a walk-over but when they showed us in our first game, it became a lesson and we did not take our legs off the pedal again until we won the championship in the United Arab Emirates, it’s about to happen here again”, he said.

Agbim Says Keshi, Family, Fans Help Him Bounce Back…As Obanor’s Debut Thrills Coach

Agbim Says Keshi, Family, Fans Help Him Bounce Back…As Obanor’s Debut Thrills Coach

Goalkeeper and skipper of the Super Eagles at the ongoing CHAN African Nations Championship, Chigozie Agbim, has attributed his quick return to form to the counseling of Head Coach Stephen Keshi, his family members and fans who kept urging him on when others had written him off.

“After the last match I came under heavy criticism but I had to go into prayers and God heard me, then my family members were calling to say I can do it, some of my fans back home also called to wish me well. But most importantly my coach had the belief in me when most people wrote me off, I have to say thank you to him”, Chigozie said in a pensive voice.

He also has soothing words for his teammates who were always behind him in times of criticisms. “My mates were there for me all the time and that also helped me to pull through my travails.”

Meanwhile, Coach Stephen Keshi has hailed the superb debut of Bendel Insurance of Benin winger back, Obanor Erhun, describing him as a beckon of hope for players in the lower rung of the Nigerian league. “We brought 23 players here because we believe any of them can fit in when crisis arises and Obanor demonstrated that on Sunday. Other players in the league, whether amateur, national or Premier league should have the belief that they can make the national team once they are good enough, because Obanor has proved it and there are no biases if a player is good”.

Agbim Regrets Unfortunate Flops…Vows To Make Up as Keshi Blames Poor Pitch….Uzoenyi: Man Of The Match Will Spur Team…

Agbim Regrets Unfortunate Flops…Vows To Make Up… Keshi Blames Poor Pitch

First choice keeper and skipper of the Super Eagles at the ongoing CHAN African Nations tourney, Chigozie Agbim, has pleaded with Nigerian fans to forgive his floppy display in the first two games of the championship so far, assuring that he will be better in subsequent encounters.

A sober Agbim, who spoke at the team’s Garden Court De Waal hotel abode in Cape Town said he was the most disappointed individual at the display and assured that if given the chance to continue as the number one goalie of the national team he will make up for past mistakes.

“No goalkeeper in the world will be happy to concede cheap goals and for a keeper of my caliber I am most disappointed than anyone else but that is football and I can’t dwell in the past. I have to forget and plead with fans of the game to understand and forgive so that we can jointly forge ahead. I promise that I will do better next time and it’s a promise I wish to keep”, he said.

Head Coach of the team, Stephen Okechukwu Keshi, defended his captain for the flops, noting that the keeper may have limitations like all goalkeepers in the world but the poor state of the Cape Town Stadium contributed greatly to his performance. “It’s a team work and we cannot single out one individual for blame, otherwise we had a situation in the game against Mozambique when a player had an empty net and yet could not slot the ball in until the opposing defender cleared it.

“I have worked with Agbim now for two years plus and if he was not good he will not be here we must learn to understand our players and forgive errors, especially as he is the last man in the defence and his own errors are easily seen by all”.

Uzoenyi: Man Of The Match Will Spur Team…Training Resumes For Bafana

Super Eagles winger, Ejike Uzoenyi, who was named Man of the Match, in the 4-2 win over Mozambique Wednesday has said the award will spur the team to greater heights at the ongoing tourney in South Africa.

Speaking after he received the award, the petit Rangers International of Enugu star said he was a bit surprised at being named the star man of the game but added that the award will not have been possible if his team mates had not been very effective also in the encounter. “This award is for the entire team and I hope we go all the way and win this tournament for Nigerians”, he said.

The Super Eagles did not take a break as the team were back in training on Thursday evening. Midfielder Ikenna Ene Paul and defence ace, Benjamin Francis are still not fit yet for full training due to hamstring and knee problems but the team doctors are working round the clock to ensure that they get back well in the course of the tournament. Stephen Keshi said, it’s not looking too good but added that the team came to the tournament with 23 players and the others should be able to hold their own against any opposition.

Embassy Meals Thrill Eagles …Bafana Fans Mull Over Clash

Players and officials of the Super Eagles got a surprise treat on Wednesday night when they returned from defeating Mozambique, with the Nigerian Embassy in South Africa providing them with local delicacies like Eba and Pounded Yam with egusi and other Nigerian soups to go with.

Team Administrator, Dayo Enebi Achor described the development as heartwarming and thanked the embassy and Ambassador Sunday Yusuf for the gesture. “The players were very happy with the meals and even the officials led by Coach Stephen Keshi were happy about the meals and we hope to see more of such gestures”, he said.

With two days to the top of the group A clash between Nigeria and South Africa in Cape Town, fans of Bafana Bafana have been weighing the team’s chances with some saying it was unfortunate that they did not win against Mali, as the Eagles may again ruin their chances of going further in the tournament.

Mahlatse Mphalele writing for the New Age Newspapers, said “the last thing Bafana Bafana needed was an unwanted situation of facing hoodoo opponents Nigeria in the last match of Group A on Sunday faced with having to win at all costs.” He added that Nigeria may spoil the chances of Bafana in the game and again qualify at the expense of the host.

On his part, Thomas Mlambo, a popular face on SuperSports in Nigeria, said Nigeria should at least leave the CHAN tourney for his home country to celebrate with. Speaking with Coach Stephen Keshi on SABC, Wednesday night, Mlambo said Nigeria has caused Bafana Bafana too many heart aches and it was about time it ends. Keshi reacted sarcastically saying the better side should carry the day on Sunday but noted that the Eagles did not travel for seven hours on air to South Africa to be beaten on sentiments. “As always we hope to give out our best against Bafana because here is my second home”, he said.