Lagos – Paul Hamilton, a former Super Eagles Coach, has charged the national team at the ongoing 2014 World Cup final in Brazil to continue improving and play quality football, to advance to the quarterfinals.

He told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on Friday that the qualification of the Eagles was important to the world of African football.

NAN reports that the Super Eagles of Nigeria qualified for the round of 16, in spite of losing 2-3 to Argentina, from Group F.

Hamilton also said that it was ideal that the team showed Africa its worth by progressing even further in the tournament.

“Like I said, it is a good development for African football and so far, they have proved their worth and are now almost moving towards the quarterfinal.

“If they happen to succeed against France, it will be so exciting and I will be proud because so far, only the good teams are left,’’ he said.

The former U-20 coach also added that continuous support and prayers must be given to the team and the coach, Stephen Keshi.

“So we should continue giving them our support, and you cannot predict anything because the game of football is tricky because I saw what the boys did and I am very thrilled.

“The tougher sides are just the ones left, so I’m hoping that they can continue improving in the quality of their football and keep growing.

“We have seen some improvements in the team, even during the competition so far, and we will continue to appreciate them the more,” Hamilton added.

And in a related development, an ex-international, Mutiu Adepoju, on Friday commended the Super Eagles on their qualification for the round of 16, in spite of a 2-3 loss to Argentina at the World Cup.

Adepoju told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that the brilliant performance of the Super Eagles showed they could go further in the tournament.

NAN reports that the Super Eagles qualified for the round of 16, in spite of losing 2-3 to Argentina, in Group F.

Adepoju said that it was exciting to watch the Super Eagles play against Argentina and hoped for a subsequent flair in the match against France.

“A great performance, despite the fact that they lost; we could see the hunger and commitment in them and it shows that the team can still go a long way.

“I hope to see another brilliant performance against France and hopefully, we will go even further in the tournament,” he said.

The ex-international also said that if the Super Eagles could reduce the amount of fouls they commit and keep the defence tight, victory against France would be achieved.

“We should try and reduce the amount of fouls committed because that was what led to the third goal. If we do that, we are good to go.

“I believe Keshi has gotten a hang of things now and tactically, everything concerning the Super Eagles should be taken care of,” Adepoju added.

The Super Eagles will face France in the round of 16 on June 30.

/NAN