SUPER EAGLES QUALIFY FOR 2019 AFRICA CUP OF NATIONS
The Super Eagles having been beaten 2-0 in the reverse game played in Uyo, came for revenge in Johannesburg and they started quite badly. However, they could have gotten the lead early on when stand-in skipper Ahmed Musa interchanged passes with Kelechi Iheanacho before releasing a curler which was brilliantly taken by goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune in the sixth minute of play.
Penpushing reports that, the Super Eagles opening goal came through an own goal from Buhle Mkhwanazi who deflected Samuel Kalu’s cross past his own goalkeeper, but equalizer for the South Africans came in the 26th minute as Man-of-the-match, Tau, sliced through the Eagles’ defence before unselfishly setting up Lebo Mothiba who tucked home to an open net.
Penpushing further reports that, as it stands now, either Libya or South Africa will join Nigeria from Group E depending on how their game goes in March.
However, President Muhammadu Buhari has congratulated the team on their qualification for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations,stating that he joins millions of football-loving Nigerians in commending the team for their spirited and disciplined performance against a very formidable opponent which earned them qualification with the final match against Seychelles a mere formality.
Penpushing reports that, Buhari in a statement by his spokesperson, Femi Adesina, said,“having keenly followed the senior national football team’s progress in the qualifying stages, President Buhari is enthused by their confidence, sense of patriotism and professionalism, and commends these attributes to other Nigerians,”.
The President also commended the coaching crew, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the Supporters Club, especially Nigerians residing in South Africa who turned out in great numbers to cheer the players, for a job well-done, and assures them of the unflinching support of the Federal Government going forward.
“The President wishes the young Nigerian football ambassadors more successes as they prepare for the AFCON tournament in Cameroon,” the statement said.
