Ahmed Musa dedicates goal to unborn child, Emenike, Echiejile, Ideye speak

Super Eagles pacy winger, Ahmed Musa, dedicated his goal against Mali on Wednesday to his unborn baby. Musa, who scored Nigeria’s last goal in the 4-1 triumph over the Malian Eagles, also used the opportunity to announce the arrival of his child next month.

“I dedicate my first ever goal at the Nations Cup to my unborn child. I am expecting him next month,” he said.

“I am happy with the goal and the victory was massive for us. We deserved it.

“My target and that of the team has been to win the trophy, now that we are in the final, it is the trophy Nigerians should expect from us. They should continue to pray for us,” he added.

Left-back, Elderson Echiejile, who scored Nigeria’s first goal of the match, said he hopes to score more goals for the Super Eagles.

“That goal was my first for the national team and I believe more will come in future. It was a great feeling for me and I was so happy personally and it helped us settle down into the game quickly.

“I’m happy with the way we responded to that challenge from our critics and the performance we gave. It’s the trophy that counts now for us, but it’s nice to know we have the belief from our fans back home now,” he said.

The tournament’s joint highest goal scorer thus far, Emmanuel Emenike, ascribed the Super Eagles’ success to God.

“It’s a very good thing for me and I’m really happy about the performance. It’s all by the grace of God,” Emenike said after the match.

Brown Ideye, who scored his first goal of the tournament said the team must maintain the winning tempo.

“My first goal in the tournament has eased off pressure on me,” revealed the Dynamo Kiev striker who has formed a working partnership with tournament’s joint top scorer, Emmanuel Emenike.

“And Nigerians should expect more from me now but we must maintain that tempo,” he said.

The striker also spoke of his expectation for the final match of the competition.

“It’s going to be difficult and the first 20 minutes will be really important. There’s just one game to win and if we can win them it will be good for everyone.

“The mission is not accomplished yet until we win on Sunday,” he said.