By Anthony Obaseki on July 10, 2019

Akwa Ibom State FA Chairman and Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Board Member, Mr. Emmanuel Ibah, has tipped the Super Eagles of Nigeria for a semi-final spot at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Egypt.

Ibah, who is currently in Egypt to cheer the men’s national team in their quest for a fourth AFCON title, speaking with this reporter, praised the Super Eagles for a wonderful showing against the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon in the Round of 16.

He said: “First of all, I thank God for the victory he gave us over the Cameroonians in our last game. So many people didn’t give us a chance because of the way our last group game went against Madagascar. Also, prior to that game, you could see that Cameroon had not conceded a goal in the tournament so they were clear favourites. But the boys were not deterred by these factors, they stood their ground even after trailing at some point in the game, they came back and won it, thereby putting smiles on the faces of all Nigerians. It could only be God.”

Nigeria beat their age-long rival and neighbours, Cameroon 3-2. Two goals from Odion Igahlo and one from Alex Iwobi were enough to cancel out Stephane Bahoken and Clinton N’jies’ strikes for Clarence Seedorf’s side.

That victory set up a quarter-final showdown against South Africa, who were one goal better than hosts Egypt in Cairo. An 85th minute strike from Orlando Pirates midfielder Thembinkosi Lorch was enough to send the Pharoahs packing from the competition. They will now face Super Eagles in the quarter-finals this night.

When asked about Super Eagles chances of making it past the Bafana Bafana, Ibah was wary of the threat posed by the South Africans but was rather unfazed because of the quality of the Super Eagles.

His words: “The Bafana Bafana are a good side, they beat us at home during the qualifiers and drew against us in their home ground. They have a quality coach in the person of Stuart Baxter, quality players as well – the likes of Percy Tau and so on. For them to reach this stage now having qualified as best third, shows you the level of determination in this team.

“Any team that eliminates the hosts in any tournament is always tipped as favorites for final glory and you could see the way they showed resilience against Egypt.

“But I’m not worried by these factors. Like I said, against Cameroon, the stats didn’t favour us but we won. So in this particular tie, I believe the Super Eagles will keep soaring.

“The players are in good shape, giving the coach the best options to select from. We also have quality in our team. One of our players was the highest goal scorer in the qualification round and now he’s in contention for the same award in the main tournament, so we are no pushovers.”

The last time Nigeria and South Africa met at the AFCON tournament, the Super Eagles were 4-1 better than the Bafana Bafana.

•Photo shows the Super Eagles celebrating a victory

Source Daily Sports

Posted July 10, 2019

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