NIGERIA Football Federation Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau believes that the Super Eagles’ victory over hosts Cote d’Ivoire at the AFCON 2023 Africa Cup of Nations has opened the door of success for the three-time African champions.
The Super Eagles defeated the hosts 1-0 yesterday in Abidjan courtesy of William Troost-Ekong’s emphatic penalty to rise to second spot in the Group A standings and all but secure passage to the round of 16.
It was the first-ever Nigeria victory over Cote d’Ivoire on Ivorian soil and Gusau sees it leading to more triumphant moments for Nigerian football.
“I have no doubt in my mind that this victory has opened the door of success for not only the Super Eagles, but Nigerian football on a general level,” Gusau told the NFF media department today.
“The win has brought the needed confidence for us to build on, and achieve more successes. Defeating a host nation in a competition of this magnitude is no mean feat.
“A lot of people will say nothing has been won yet, and that there is no need for so much excitement. My message to them is that some little wins do serve as inspiration and fillip for bigger achievements, and it is important to celebrate those little wins so that they actually lead to bigger accomplishments.”
Gusau commended the players for their calmness and superb organisation in a highly tactical game with the Elephants, and said it was a good response to the criticism that followed Sunday’s 1-1 draw with Equatorial Guinea.
“I was not happy at all over the draw with Equatorial Guinea and I didn’t hide my feelings from the team,” he added.
“I thank God that they responded well against the Ivorians. I believe they have enough in their tank to go all the way in the competition.
“Now, they have the magic wand, they will make very good use of it.”
The Super Eagles will wrap up their group stage campaign on Monday against Guinea-Bissau in which a win could earn leadership of Group A.
