Former Super Eagles Chief Coach, Christian Chukwu, has told The Eagle Online that he was totally afraid all through the Eagles Africa Nations Championship qualifier against host, The Elephants of Cote d’Ivoire, while monitoring the match via radio on Saturday in Enugu.
Chukwu, who is also a member of the Technical Committee of the Nigeria Football Federation, said despite the fact that Nigeria still booked a ticket to the CHAN in South Africa in January 2014 after losing Saturday’s return leg match 0-2 in Abidjan, he wasn’t happy with the loss.
Chukwu said: “I was afraid throughout the match and I was praying fervently throughout the match that the Ivorians should not score the third goal. So, I thank God and I am very happy that we managed to sneak through to the finals that would come up in South Africa next year January.
“I never expected that Cote d’Ivoire will score two quick goals like that. Inasmuch as I wasn’t happy with the way our defenders let in the two goals, I am happy that the entire team worked hard in the second half to prevent the third goal that could have knocked us (Nigeria) out of the main competition in South Africa next year.
“Yes, we have five months to prepare for the main tournament next January. Coach Stephen Keshi and coaching crew need to work very hard to knock this team to shape. The team needs to be fortified in all departments.
“The good thing is that we have quality player in the Nigeria Premier League that can deliver the goods. Nigeria is not short of strong and talented players that can deliver in the home-based Eagles.
“Don’t get me wrong. Some of the players he is parading now are good but there other better players in the league that can still help him get the job done. So the time is now to start full preparations for the January 2014 CHAN. Early preparations will do the magic for us like it did February this year when we won the 2013 Africa Nations Cup in South Africa.
“One other important thing is that the Nigeria Football Federation should also give Keshi the full support by organising many friendly matches for the team (Eagles) in order to put the Eagles in good shape and competitive mood for the CHAN next year. I am happy we have qualified for the competition proper.”
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