[size=18pt]12th April 1994 - The NY Times
Super Eagles win African Nations Cup; President Abacha holds receptions for team [/size]



Nigeria sent a strong message on Sunday to Argentina, Greece and Bulgaria, its first-round opponents in the World Cup.

The Nigerians confirmed their superiority in African soccer with a 2-1 triumph over Zambia in the African Nations Cup in Tunisia.

Gen. Sani Abacha, Nigeria's military ruler, held a big reception for the team yesterday when it returned to the country.

Emanuel Amunike, who had been held out of Nigeria's four previous matches in the tournament, scored both goals as Nigeria rallied in a thrilling final.

Nigeria, which will participate in the World Cup finals for the first time, was led by the tournament's top scorer, Rachidi Yekini (five goals).

"We're going to be the surprise package of the World Cup," said Nigeria's coach, Clemens Westerhof of the Netherlands. "We know we have the right kind of quality to do well in the World Cup."

Zambia did magnificently to reach the final. Zambia was the favorite of the Tunisian people because it rebuilt its team after 18 members of its World Cup squad were killed in a plane crash a year ago.

why are some people so so foolish!!!??

SOME EAGLES CONFIRM ABACHA CALLED BEFORE NIGERIA/ARGENTINA DUEL

Athen, GEORGIA, Aug 3, 1996 (NigeriaTODAY): Several members of the Super Eagles confirmed today that they had spoken directly to Nigeria's head of state Gen. Sanni Abacha just before the gold medal encounter between Nigeria and Argentia.

The players said Gen. Abacha had encouraged them to "win this game for Nigeria and for Africa".

"It was motivating to know that he cares," said a striker who prefered to remain anonymous and whose play was critical for Nigeria's victory.

The Nigerian government had declared Monday a public holiday to celebrate the Eagles performance. It also promised cash rewards to any atheletes who wins a gold medal.

The Eagles stand to share 5 million naira (about $62,000) for beating Argentina