Nigeria coach Stephen Keshi dedicated Tuesday’s
2-0 defeat of Ethiopia to his countrymen. The Super
Eagles earned passage to the quarter final through
two late penalty goals courtesy of Victor Moses. Keshi spoke after the game that is was not an easy
encounter against the East Africans who were
returning to the tournament for the first time in 31
years.A lot of respect for the Ethiopian team because it is
a quality team. We knew it wasn’t going to be easy
because they love to play football just like we like
to play,” said Keshi. “This victory is a victory for Nigerians. It’s
something that I’ve been waiting for so long to
make Nigerians everywhere in the world happy.“ Nigeria will next play giants Cote D’Ivoire in the
quarter finals next Sunday. It is a challenge which
Keshi anticipates will bring out the best in his team. “Taking on Cote D’Ivoire is a different ball game, it is
a different mentality – everything is different
because it is not going to be the same as preparing
against Ethiopia or the last two teams we played
against,” he said. The coach also praised the effort of Enugu Rangers
midfielder Sunday Mba who madehis first start in
the tournament against Ethiopia. “Mba was wonderful, he played so well and I’m
happy for him. We’re trying to introduce young
players that Mikel, Yobo and Enyeama can direct
them on the field. “What we’re looking at is not just the Cup of
Nations but how we will be able to build a very
outstanding team for Nigeria in the next five years,”
Keshi said.
www.goal.com/en-ng/news/4687/2013-africa-cup-of-nations/2013/01/29/3710912/stephen-keshi-its-a-victory-for-all-nigerians?source=breakingnews&ICID=HP_BN_1