Some football enthusiasts have described Tuesday’s 4-2 victory over Argentina by Nigeria as a strong message to the footballing world that the Super Eagles are no pushovers.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Super Eagles fought back from two goals down to win the high-profile international friendly match played in the Russian city of Krasnodar.
A cross-section of football enthusiasts who spoke to NAN on Wednesday said they were impressed with the performance of the Eagles.
Tunde Popoola, the Secretary-General, Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC), said it was an unbelievable feat by the Eagles.
He added that the result has proved to the footballing world that Nigeria cannot be waved aside.
“This is indeed an incredible result and a huge morale-boosting win for the Super Eagles. With this kind of performance, we are surely going to stun the world next year.
“This crop of young players are taking us to a higher level and I have never been this excited and proud of the Super Eagles in a long while,’’ Popoola said.
Nduka Ugbade, an ex-international and former Assistant Coach of the Flying Eagles, hailed the team for a “superlative performance’’, picking Tyrone Ebuehi as his man of the match.
“What a shocking and superlative performance by the Super Eagles! I so much admire the strength and character of the team.
“This result portrays the fact that our qualification to Russia 2018 wasn’t a fluke but well and truly deserved.
“Though the victory was a collective effort by the team, Ebuehi was my man of the match. He was in a class of his own and looked convincing for me, playing just the way you will want your wing back to play.
“His defending was terrific and he was a joy to behold with the ball at his feet. I think with this performance, there is no doubt in my mind that he truly deserves a permanent shirt in this Super Eagles team.
“Alex Iwobi was also outstanding. He was a constant menace to the defence of the Argentines and completely destroyed Mascherano in a mesmerising manner. His brace for the team was well deserved.
“Mikel Obi also played a vital role. He was a dedicated, selfless, pragmatic and charismatic captain in the field of play,’’ he said.
Emmanuel Babayaro, also an ex-international, said the victory was a result of hard work and a good fighting spirit exhibited by the team.
“Congratulations to the team. It was nice to see all the months of hard work put in by the team paying off.
“What an incredible comeback against the two time world champions! This is indeed the Super Eagles we have been waiting for
“Congratulations for making Nigeria and indeed the whole African continent proud,’’ he said.
The former goalkeeper however noted that much still needed to be done in the goalkeeping department, adding that Daniel Akpeyi looked unconvincing in goal.
“Akpeyi had a very bad game, but Uzoho looked more confident and charismatic. I think coach Rohr will still need to test the goalkeepers with more friendlies before making up his mind about his number one,’’ he said.
Meanwhile, some of the Super Eagles players took to their Twitter handle to express their feeling of joy after the match.
Two-goal hero Alex Iwobi’s tweet reads: “We Do For Naija ! Great Comeback from the Team Today! Good To Get Two Goals … Great Week Away With The National Team#UpNaija.’’
Super Eagles defender Leon Balogun said: “Algeria on Friday was solid already. But today is kind of historical coming back like this from a 0-2 vs Argentina.
“Considering the fact that we played like that system for the first time makes it even greater!! Up up Super Eagles, up up Nigeria.’’
Forward Kelechi Iheanacho said: “A wonderful performance from the Super Eagles against Argentina.#Great goals. Thanks to all fans for your support.’’
Also, centre-back William Troost-Ekong said: “FT Nigeria 4-2 @Argentina #SoarSuperEagles #NGAARG. Great win for the @NGSuperEagles. So proud of the boys.’’(NAN)