Super Eagles Captain, Joseph Tambarin Yobo, says he is happy at renewing the rivalry between himself and Mali captain, Seydou Keita, which dates back to the years when both of them featured for their countries at the U20 level
Browsing: Africa Cup of Nations
In a sportsmanship spirit, the former Chelsea striker admitted that Nigeria deserved the victory
The governor particularly praised the efforts of the home-based players, especially Sunday Mba and promised to reward them adequately when they eventually return home
In comparison, the Ivorians, so well-fancied before the tournament, looked laborious and lethargic – their casual approach matching the unprofessional nicknames on some of their shirts
The African nations were locked at 1-1 after extra-time in the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations
Ghana faces either Burkina Faso or Togo in the semi finals
The only player to miss the match is midfield player, Fengor Ogude
Ekeji, who spoke with State House Correspondents on Thursday, said that the most important outcome of the match to Nigerians should be winning and not the number of goals
Tunisia levelled through a penalty from Khaled Mouelhi shortly after, but the same player missed another spot-kick in a match Tunisia had to win to qualify
The Chelsea midfielder, who admitted that the West African country can boast of tested legs, however, remarked that the two teams have equal chance of progressing
The Chipolopolo went into the game level on points with Nigeria, who went through to the last eight after a 2-0 win over Ethiopia in the other Group C game
Nigeria had to wait till the last game to secure qualification after it drew the first two group matches one goal apiece
Instead, the Nigeria gaffer sticks with the pair of Godfrey Oboabona and Kenneth Omeruo
This time, the Super Eagles must win their confrontation with the Walya Antelopes of Ethiopia in Rustenburg on Tuesday to be assured of a place in the tournament quarter finals. The clash between holders Zambia and Burkina Faso, which will determine the other qualifier from Group C, takes place simultaneously, in Nelspruit
Addressing the players at the team’s evening training in Rustenberg, South Africa on Sunday evening, Keshi said the team may have been hard done by some calls by officiating officials but they should learn to finish games well and with wide margins before such calls are made
A draw could still get Nigeria into the last eight, provided Burkina Faso’s Etalons overpower the defending champions in the other game of Group C at Mbombela Stadium same day, but Green is averse to such negative thinking and voodoo mathematics
Players and officials of the Super Eagles, who had been in a final training camp in Faro, Portugal since December 28, 2012 and played a total of four tune-up matches, arrived in Nelspruit on Thursday evening and immediately checked into the Ingwenyama Conference and Sport Resort
The Super Eagles will have their last training session at the Abuja National Stadium training pitch on Thursday morning before departing for Portugal, same day