A cross section of football fans in Lokoja, on Saturday applauded the Super Eagles of Nigeria for their victory over their Algerian counterparts in the FIFA U-23 2018 World Cup qualifiers.
Following the 3-1 win over Algeria in the qualifying match, the Eagles are now leading Group B with 6 points, followed by Cameroon 2 points, Zambia and Algeria with one point each respectively.
The fans, in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), commended the Eagles for their outstanding performance in the game.
Hon Deola Eseyin, a Special Adviser to Kogi Governor, on Youth Empowerment, Sports and Students Affairs, told NAN that the Eagles have improved tremendously.
“We are seeing a new set of Nigerians playing their hearts for the nation. I think this is a new spirit.
“The Algerians are a better side, they possess top quality players, but our boys were never selfish on the ball. I think that translated to what we saw today.
“They played more of a team than individual players.
“If we build on this spirit, it will be difficult to have any team in Africa that will contend with us,” Eseyin said.
A former Kogi Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Attah Ikanni, said he was happy that the Eagles were gradually gaining back their lost glory, adding that it was a well deserved victory for them.
He commended the Technical Adviser, Coach Rohr and the technical crew for their efforts and commitment in leading the Eagles to gloriously secure additional three points.
He also applauded the players for their new team spirit, determination and focus in securing the desired results of topping their group with six points.
“I am urging the players not to relent in their quest to secure the world cup ticket as there is always room for improvement,” he said.
Mr Babatunde Ibrahim, a lecturer at Kogi State Polytechnic, said he was highly impressed with the Eagles’ excellent performance especially in the first half of the match.
He noted that the Eagles had lots of scoring opportunities in the first half but they did not utilise them effectively to score goals.
“Our boys relaxed in the second half of the game and that was why the Algerians were able to net a goal in the match, coupled with their determination.
“We thank God that the boys are beginning to make the country proud again,” Ibrahim said.
Mr John Ajide, a civil servant, commended the Eagles for their doggedness and team spirit to make Nigerians proud once again.
“I think the players are improving, but they should work more on their defence for more cohesion.
“I am excited that the Eagles are having a clear lead in their group in spite of the tough opponents,” Ajide said.
Another fan, Suleiman Aboki, hailed the Eagles’ determination to make the country proud again by beating the Algerians.
While commending the players for team work, Aboki hailed Victor Moses for his outstanding performance and for scoring two goals in the game.
“The Eagles have really put in their best. President Muhammadu Buhari should adequately compensate the boys as he has promised because they have made us proud as a nation,” Aboki said.
Mrs Kemi Dada said the Eagles displayed passion and patriotism in defeating the mighty Algerians who are the current best team in Africa.
“As a woman, I am very happy because the Eagles’ performance was awesome. The players and all the technical crew have made the country proud.
“Nigeria is surely rising again, and we are sure to qualify for the 2018 World Cup in Russia,” Dada said. (NAN)