All the players of the national team that lost 2-3 to Egypt on Thursday in an international friendly in Dubai, have vowed that they will not make the mistakes that caused the last minute loss in their qualifiers for the South Africa 2013 Nations Cup and the Brazil 2014 World Cup qualifier.
First to speak was the man regarded as a surprise pick by Coach Stephen Keshi for the encounter on Thursday, Enyimba of Aba’s Henry Uche.
Uche said: “The referee was poor, but I think we lost concentration at some point and that was why they were able to get the last minute goal.”
The fair skinned midfield anchor, whose performance was rated above average, said he forsees a better outing when the team steps out against Gabon next month in Libreville.
Towering defender, Azubuike Egwueke of Warri Wolves, said the Egyptians were ordinary but were overrated by the team.
“I think we thought of them as the team that won two Cup of Nations back to back and it affected us, but we are learning fast and soon the world will see the real Super Eagles,” Egwueke said.
Team skipper, Chigozie Agbuim, said he has taken some lessons from the game but noted that the entire team caved in at the wrong time.
“We let our guards down thinking that we have drawn the game and we paid for it. I know that it won’t happen next time because we have learnt this one the bitter way,” he said.
Egyptian Head Coach, Bob Bradley, while blaming his team lack of finesse against Nigeria on match rustiness, said he foresees the Nigerian side ruling African football in less than six months if the NFF is able to hold the team together.
“Wonderful players with wonderful skills that we could not match. They have a bright future if they stick together,” he said.