Sports
NIGERIA’S Pillar of Sports, Donatus Agu-Ejidike has commended the Super Eagles over the results recorded in their first two matches in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Qualifiers.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Augustine Eguavoen-tutored side began their campaign on a bright note after they defeated Benin Republic, 3-0 in Uyo on Saturday.
They were however, held to a barren draw by a stubborn Amavubi of Rwanda on matchday two at the Amahoro Stadium in Kigali on Tuesday.
The result saw the Super Eagles still retain leadership of their qualifying group with four points, following Benin Republic’s 2-1 victory over Libya, which earned them their first three points and second spot on the log.
Rwanda with two points lie in third position, after two consecutive draws against Libya and Nigeria, while Libya with just one point, sit at the bottom of the group D table.
Ejidike spoke to NAN on Tuesday in Abuja, expressed satisfaction over the results.
He said that, even though, Nigerians would have loved the Eagles to win their two matches outrightly, however, a win and a draw was not a bad result.
He noted that it was a good result, considering the circumstances that surrounded the team’s preparation in the run up to the matches.
“Recall that the coaching position of the senior national team was vacant, following the sudden resignation by coach Finidi George, back in June.
“Also, less than a week to the match, came the dramatic rejection of a contract offer from the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) by German coach, Bruno Labbadia.
“Eguavoen who doubles as the head the technical department of the NFF, was announced as the one to act in an interim capacity.
“In spite of the initial uncertainty, Eguavoen was still able to package a team that gave Nigeria a decent result,” he said.
Ejidike who doubles as the patron of the Nigerian Football Supporters Club, commended the players and technical crew for being able to put up such solid performances, in spite of the shenanigans of the past two weeks.
He called on football fans and stakeholders in the country to rally round the Super Eagles to ensure that they complete the current process of a turnaround of the team’s fortune.
This according to the Nnewi-born Sports philanthropist, would restore Nigeria to its pride of place as a football power house, not only in Africa, but also in the world.
He also urged the players as well as the technical crew not to be distracted, but to keep their eyes on the ball.
He warned that tougher games lie ahead, especially in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, where Nigeria are currently second from bottom in the group’s table.
NAN reports that the Eagles will next confront the Mediterranean Knights of Libya at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo, mid-October.(NAN)
Photo Caption: Donatus Agu-Ejidike
11th September, 2024.
C.E.
Tags: Augustine Eguavoen Donatus Agu-Ejidike Super Eagles
