Former Super Eagles defender, Taribo West, has insisted that Nigeria will have an easy ride to the title at the ongoing African Nations Championship after the African champions defeated the hosts South Africa in their last group game to advance to the quarterfinals on Sunday.
Nigeria are second in Group A behind Mali with six points from three games will face the leaders in Group B, Morocco, in the quarterfinals on Saturday.
“After the display against South Africa on Sunday, I don’t see any team beating Nigeria in the tournament again. What happened against Mali in the first game could be attributed to stage fright among the players,” Taribo told our correspondent on the telephone on Monday.
“The Super Eagles performance against Mali was terrible; the one against Mozambique was better though not spectacular. It is obvious they are improving with every game and I can vouch for the team that they will perform even better in the knock-out stage.”
After the Sunday game, Ejike Uzoenyi was voted the Man of the Match for the second time in the competition. His teammates were equally outstanding in the game.
“Ejike is not the only good player in the team, the others played very well too. Stephen Keshi did a wonderful job in the selection,” Taribo said.
“But it is too early to determine who Keshi should include in his programme for the World Cup as many Nigerians are clamouring. After the tournament, the coach can sit back and make his final judgement. One thing is obvious for all to see: these players are dedicated and committed to win.”
Nigeria are second in Group A behind Mali with six points from three games will face the leaders in Group B, Morocco, in the quarterfinals on Saturday.
“After the display against South Africa on Sunday, I don’t see any team beating Nigeria in the tournament again. What happened against Mali in the first game could be attributed to stage fright among the players,” Taribo told our correspondent on the telephone on Monday.
“The Super Eagles performance against Mali was terrible; the one against Mozambique was better though not spectacular. It is obvious they are improving with every game and I can vouch for the team that they will perform even better in the knock-out stage.”
After the Sunday game, Ejike Uzoenyi was voted the Man of the Match for the second time in the competition. His teammates were equally outstanding in the game.
“Ejike is not the only good player in the team, the others played very well too. Stephen Keshi did a wonderful job in the selection,” Taribo said.
“But it is too early to determine who Keshi should include in his programme for the World Cup as many Nigerians are clamouring. After the tournament, the coach can sit back and make his final judgement. One thing is obvious for all to see: these players are dedicated and committed to win.”
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