Eagles gallant in defeat – LMC

Nigeria’s Super Eagles squad to the African Nations Championship has been commended by the Chairman of the League Management Company, Hon. Nduka Irabor, for their gallantry in the semi-final defeat by Ghana at the ongoing third edition of the tournament in South Africa.
The Super Eagles were clearly the better side on the night, dominating play and having close calls at goal but were held to a goalless draw by the Ghana Black Stars, who went on to score four of their kicks in the penalty shootout while Ejike Uzoenyi scored the only kick for Nigeria.
Irabor on the heels of the acclaimed success of the Glo Premier League pre-season tournament in Abuja, said the CHAN Eagles were truly good ambassadors of the Nigeria Professional Football League.
“You have made a loud statement about the positive qualities, depth and competitive spirit in our league and the LMC is urging you all to return to your clubs and be an inspiration to your team mates in the 2013/14 season which starts in a couple of weeks,” Irabor charged the squad.
“The LMC is enthused by your performance and wishes to, on behalf of your colleagues, coaches and indeed all stakeholders especially the fans, thank you for being good ambassadors of the league. We appreciate this bold statement you have made about the quality of our league which has won over some cynics to the growing army of Glo League followers,” remarked the LMC chairman.
Irabor assured the players in the league that the LMC is committed to ensuring that they have the right platform to express their talents and earn a decent wage.
“The LMC is cognizant of the fact that we can only get the best out of players in an atmosphere rich with motivation, appropriate reward system and the right infrastructure and credible organization of the league. These are the irreducible minimum we have undertaken to enforce,” Irabor assured.
He further urged the players to make the most of the third place match against Zimbabwe and return as the third best team of the tournament.
“You are good for the gold and the trophy but now that it is out of our reach, winning the bronze will be sufficient compensation for your gallant effort,” said the LMC Chairman.
Nigeria is participating for the first time in the tournament organized by CAF for players who feature for clubs in their country of origin’s domestic league.
The Super Eagles had defeated favourites and hosts, South Africa, and had in the quarter-final came back from the dead to erase a three goals deficit against Morocco and went on to win 4-3 in extra time to set up the semi-final clash with their West African neighbour, Ghana.