AFCON: Keep Supporting Us – Moses Charges Nigerian Fans
- Says Osimhen thinking about team not goals
- Coach Peseiro happy with s-final berth
- Super Eagles Are Back! – Peter Rufai
BY VICTOR OSOWOCHI – Super Eagles’ forward, Moses Simon, who was picked and rewarded as the Most Valuable Player (MVP) in the quarter-final game against Angola, has begged Nigerian football fans to continue supporting the team at the ongoing AFCON tournament in Cote d’Ivoire.
Making the plea to supporters after receiving the prize, Moses said; “I am really happy about the victory against Angola and I feel very happy because the win is for Nigerians.
“You can be a Man-of-the-Match and your team loses the game. I really appreciate the support Nigerians have given to the Super Eagles and they should keep supporting us.”
Also, the FC Nantes of France attacker used opportunity to defend his colleague, Victor Osimhen who is yet to re-enact his effervescent goal scoring form at the competition.
Describing as the Super Eagles’ asset any day, Moses said the Napoli man is not focused on individual targets but the collective good of the team
Though Osimhen has only managed a goal and an assist in five matches, despite the numerous chances that continue to come his way, Moses maintained that is not a major worry for the current Africa Footballer of the Year title holder.
According to him; “The atmosphere is good in the team. Osimhen is thinking about winning, not just scoring goals.
“If he gets a chance to score he will take it, but he’s focused on the team’s victory first.”
Super Eagles Created Chances For More Goals – Peseiro
Coach Jose Peseiro said the Super Eagles had opportunity of scoring more goals but luck eluded them on Friday night.
The Portuguese Manager, who could not hide his joy after the victory, told reporters in a post match interview; “The team could have scored more goals given the chances created. We are a quality team. Angola were a very good team but we were out of luck not to have score more goals.
“Once again, we played without conceding, we scored a goal, but I would have liked us to score more. I remain satisfied with the performance of my players so far.”
It’s Well Deserved Victory For Nigeria – Angolan Coach
Also reflecting that Nigeria deserved to win the match, Coach Pedro Goncalves of Angola commended the tactics deployed by his opposite number, Jose Peseiro for the game.
According to him, the Super Eagles deservedly won the match, adding; “I would like to congratulate the Nigeria team, they are very strong, and the coach has put in place a solid system. They deserved their victory.”
In a post-match interview, the Angolan tactician further said; “I think we could have won. We fought for the whole 90 minutes. We felt sorry for ourselves after conceding the goal. We had opportunities to score but we didn’t put them in.
“I have the feeling of having succeeded in my mission with the Angolan national team. I am aware of the work I have accomplished with my team, no one expected Angola in the quarter-finals.”
Super Eagles Are Back – Peter Rufai
For former Nigeria goalkeeper Peter Rufai, there is conviction that the Super Eagles are now back to their best after sealing the semi-final berth.
Rufai told Afro Sports; “Lookman has been having a very beautiful tournament, he raised the game and was very effective when it mattered most.
“I am so excited for him at this tournament. As it stands, this is the Super Eagles we used to know in the past.
“I love the unity and discipline in the squad. Peseiro has also understood the type of team he has presently.”
