President Goodluck Jonathan has congratulated the Super Eagles of Nigeria who have just sent the Red Devils of Congo packing from the African Nation’s Cup and have therefore generated hope of qualifying for next year’s Finals.
The Super Eagles, in Pointe Noire, beat the Red Devils of Congo 2-0 to put one leg in the 2015 tournament now to be hosted by Equatorial Guinea. The second half of the charged encounter produced all the drama, with Vincent Enyeama saving a penalty to keep the Eagles in the game, while returnee Uche Ikechukwu and Aaron Samuel made it count when it mattered most for Nigeria. The Eagles now need to win against already qualified South Africa Wednesday at the Nest of Champions in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
The Congolese came out strong hoping to deliver an early low blow to the Eagles. Thierry Bifouma tested Enyeama, but the Lille of France shot-stopper was not in the mood to concede any goal. On the other hand Uche also made his presence felt, his delicate chip was saved by Massa Chancel in goal for Congo. Emanuel Emenike took his turn to ask questions of the Congolese defence; Chancel was on hand to thwart the move. From then on both sides battled to control the midfield and it was John Obi Mikel that dictated the pace.
Keshi introduced Sone Aluko and that ignited some urgency in the Eagles attack. In the 58th minute Mikel put Emenike through on goal, but he was brought down in the box by the Congolese keeper. Uche did not make any mistake from the spot when he was called to duty. Shortly afterwards Congo got a penalty of their own, but Enyeama denied Bifouma and that signaled the beginning of the end for the Red Devils. China-based Aaron Samuel seized the day for the Eagles in the 85th minute after he connected well to a pass from Gbolahon Salami and fired to the top left corner.
In a congratulatory message shortly after the match, President Jonathan described the Eagles as dogged and hard-fighting, adding that their performance has revived Nigeria’s hopes.
The message which was issued by his special adviser on media and publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati quoted President Jonathan as saying that the Super Eagles’ were patriotic, determined and very courageous.
They display such positive attitude, according to the President “in front of a very vociferous, aggressive and partisan home crowd which earned them an emphatic 2-0 victory and placed Nigeria in a good position once again for qualification to defend the African Nations Cup which it currently holds at the next year’s finals, now scheduled to hold in Equatorial Guinea.
“On behalf of all soccer loving Nigerians, the President heartily commends the Super Eagles for their winning performance in Pointe-Noire which has wiped away the disappointment of their earlier outings in the Nations Cup qualifying series and rekindled the belief of Nigerians in their national soccer team’s ability to bring further glory to the country.”
President Jonathan said that he looked forward to seeing the Super Eagles complete the task of qualifying to defend their title at the 2015 Nations Cup Finals with victory against South Africa in Uyo next week.
He assures the Super Eagles and their handlers that they will have the fullest possible support of the Federal Government and the people of Nigeria for that final qualification match.
Meanwhile, there was mayhem at the Ominisports Stadium as the fans resorted to throwing missiles into the pitch. The game was temporarily stopped by the referee. However, by the time the game resumed, the hosts had already resigned to fate. [myad]
