The Super Eagles Coach, Eric Chelle, has commended his players for their superlative performance in the last World Cup qualifying match against the Cheetahs of Benin, which they won 4-0.
The match played at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Tuesday was tension-soaked, but the early goal by Victor Osihmen in the 3rd minute was a relief.
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Mr Chelle, during the post-match news conference, said that the players sacrificed their full energy to win the match.
He described the players as champions, stressing that they were focused and purposeful throughout the duration of the game.
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He, however, noted that the game was not yet over until they win the play-off and get the final qualification to the World Cup.
“I am surprised by my players. They deserved this game because it was not easy.
“So, now we are going to Morocco. It is not yet finished. It will be very difficult, but tonight, I am very happy for the players.
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“They played a great game today and two days ago, like I said before, it is well, it is well, we are here.
“I am happy for the fact they brought us the victory, which serves to help us push us to the next level.
“The players played a very good game, especially the best striker in the world, Victor Osimhen,” Chelle said.
The Super Eagles Captain, Troost Ekong, said he was proud to be a member of the team.
According to him, everyone played their hearts out to ensure victory in the qualifying match against Benin.
He thanked Nigerians for their massive support throughout the qualifying series, stressing that the people loved good football.
The captain acknowledged that the game was not yet over, as the team still had a lot of work to do in the play-off.
The Coach of Benin, Gernot Rohr, regretted that the dream of his team getting to the World Cup had been ruined by the 0-4 defeat at the hands of the Super Eagles.
He acknowledged that the Super Eagles had experienced and talented players, which gave them victory in the match.
Rohr said that the Cheetahs were young players with less experience, but played very good football.
“There was a big disappointment because we wanted to go to the World Cup, also with Beninois for the first time in history, but we could not.
“You know, we don’t have enough players of high level.
READ ALSO: UPDATED: Osimhens hat-trick keeps Super Eagles’ World Cup dream alive
“As you know, we have some players who started the match; they don’t even have clubs; we also have players who play in the 5th division in France, but I am proud of my team.
“They did very well in this World Cup qualifier, but until the last game today. I am very happy to be the coach of this team.
“It is a young team; there are still things to learn. They started with a goal in the first minutes,” Rohr said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Osimhen’s hat-trick and Frank Onyeka’s last-minute goal were all the Super Eagles needed to move to the next qualification round.
(NAN)
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