|
|
Keshi: Ethiopia win is a victory for all Nigerians
Jan 30, 2013 12:30:00 AM
The coach of the national team has praised the ability of his side in Tuesday’s defeat of Ethiopia which earned them a quarter-final ticket
Nigeria coach Stephen Keshi has dedicated Tuesday’s 2-0 defeat of Ethiopia to his countrymen, after the Super Eagles earned passage to the quarter-final stage with two late penalties from Victor Moses.
The East Africans were returning to the tournament for the first time in 31 years, and Keshi admitted it had been a tough match.
“[I have] a lot of respect for the Ethiopian team because it is a quality team. We knew it wasn’t going to be easy because they love to play football just like we like to play,” said Keshi.
“This victory is a victory for Nigerians. It’s something that I’ve been waiting for so long to make Nigerians everywhere in the world happy.“
Nigeria will next play giants Cote D’Ivoire in the quarter final on Sunday, and Keshi is anticipating it will bring out the best in his team.
“Taking on Cote D’Ivoire is a different ball game, it is a different mentality – everything is different because it is not going to be the same as preparing against Ethiopia or the last two teams we played against,” he said.
The coach also praised the effort of Enugu Rangers midfielder Sunday Mba who made his first start in the tournament against Ethiopia.
“Mba was wonderful, he played so well and I’m happy for him. We’re trying to introduce young players who Mikel, Yobo and Enyeama can direct on the field.
“What we’re looking at is not just the Cup of Nations but how we will be able to build a very outstanding team for Nigeria in the next five years,” Keshi said.
| Sign up with William Hill for a free bet up to £25 |
|
| Sign up with bet365 for a free bet up to £200 |
|
| Sign up to Paddy Power for £250 in free bets |
|
| Sign up today with Coral and get a £50 FREE bet - no strings attached! |
|
| Sign up today with BetVictor and get a £25 FREE BET! |
|
Related Stories
Inside Goal.Com
-
Top 10 all-time Champions League scorers
As the competition moves within days of its much-anticipated conclusion at Wembley, Goal profiles the most prolific players in its history
-
'Mario, you will never redeem yourself'
Mario Gotze's injury means the playmaker has now played his final game for Borussia Dortmund. In an open letter, a fan tells of his emotion at his controversial switch to Bayern
-
BVB's rise from the abyss to European contenders
BVB have recovered from teetering on the edge of bankruptcy to take their place on Europe's grandest stage, humbling their opponents on Saturday, Bayern Munich, along the way
-
Transfer Talk: Mourinho wants six new signings
Get your daily dose of all the speculation from around the globe as clubs cast their eye towards summer reinforcements
-
Soulless EPL must face up to grim reality
After a season marred by controversy and a failure of its top teams to put up a credible Champions League challenge, the world's supposed best league is falling behind
