Story: Moses Dotsey Aklorbortu, Sekondi
The assistant coach of Nigeria’s Super Eagles, Austin Eguavoen, has warned Ghana’s Black Stars to be ready for a real showdown in Sunday’s quarter-final match at the Ohene Djan Stadium in Accra.
Coach Eguavoen told mediamen at a post-match conference last Tuesday that the Eagles were ready to fly beyond the glittering of the Stars on Sunday.
“We have the game plan that will ensure that we prick the eyes of the Stars to gather enough clouds to cover their glitter.
“That aside, the Nigerians are one of the best-rated teams in the world and any country that is paired against the Super Eagles must be extra-motivated to justify their inclusion in tournaments of this nature,” he said.
While admitting that the fighting spirit of the Black Stars cannot be underestimated, he said “we have so much respect for the Stars and we know it is not going to be easy, but we are sure that we will sail through and Ghana should be ready for us.”
Eguavoen said whether at the Nations Cup or on a different platform, matches between the two nations have always been very tough and Sunday would be no different as it would offer everybody the chance to appreciate the beauty of the African football.
He said the rivalry between Ghana and Nigeria dated back to the early ’50s and the two sides could be likened to brothers.
The former Nigerian international said Nigeria should not be judged by their performance in the group matches, since they were aware of the task ahead and would do everything possible to ensure that no stone was left unturned.
Chelsea youngster, John Mikel Obi, who was adjudged man of the match in Tuesday’s game against Benin, also said the biggest joy for him was the fact that amidst all fears and doubts, they managed to qualify to the next stage of the competition.
“I know what Ghana is made of and I can assure you that it is going to be difficult, but we will emerge the victors that day and do everything possible to justify our inclusion in the last four and win the cup,” he said.
For his part, the coach of Benin, Reinhard Fabisch, praised his players for performing creditably against some of the best stars in the world in a tough group.
“We played with some best-rated teams in Africa and my team which is a young one performed marvellously, and I have no option but to congratulate them on their classic performance,” he said.
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