You are impatient, Keshi tells Nigerians

IMOHIOSEN YVONNE

Super Eagles coach Stephen Keshi has lamented that his countrymen are not patient towards the male national team players.

He stated this at the post match briefing after the Super Eagles defeated the Elephants of Cote d’Ivoire in a quarter-final round of matches at the on-going African Nations Cup in South Africa.

The coach however thanked the players especially the home-based ones that did the country proud.

“I thank the players, Nigerians and all those who criticised the team. They all contributed to the victory we had today. The big challenge we have is that Nigerians do not believe in the home –based players but I do. I believe if they are given the opportunity they will play much better. 

The problem is that in Nigeria, where I come from, we’re not patient with home-based players.”

The Elephant did not give chances, as they were oppressed by the Super Eagles, but the Super Eagles took their chance by scoring first through a free-kick that was taken by Emmanuel Emenike. Though the Ivorians equalised early in the second half by a Cheik Tiote header, home-based player, Sunday Mba scored the winning second goal for the super Eagles.

Speaking about the tactics employed during the game, Keshi stated that he had no fear that the Super Eagles would win and also refused to accord the victory to any of the player as he said it was a collective effort.

 “It wasn’t about individual game; we just wanted to win the game. It wasn’t just Sunday Mba who was the hero; everyone in the team was a hero. Mba scored the golden goal, and I’m just so happy. Maybe I have to give him a kiss if I see him,” He said.

Keshi continued, “What is important is that we are progressing everyday and I hope that we will keep growing that way. Nobody gave us a chance to beat the Ivorians because of their quality but we have done it today.”

Again, Keshi made it known that the game was not an easy to win, even though Nigeria won.

 “We are not ready to go home and that’s what has happened. We wrestled against great players like Didier Drogba and Yaya Toure and it’s good to end such contest with victory,” he said.

Finally, there is a reward for every work done, as the super Eagles will take home a $15,000 reward for their emphatic win over the Elephants of Cote d’Ivoire.

Also, a sum of $100,000 has been donated to the team by Rivers state Governor Rotimi   Amaechi.

Nigeria will face Mali in the Semi-final clash on Wednesday in Johannesburg.