ACTUALITE |
30.07.2001
Nigeria`s Eagles have landed at the World Cup
Nigeria`s Super Eagles defeated Ghana 3-0 here Sunday to qualify for next year`s World Cup in South Korea and Japan.
The victory ensured that Nigeria with 16 points from eight games booked Africa`s fifth and final ticket for the soccer championship ahead of Group B rivals Liberia, who finished their campaign on 15 points.
"I`m happy our hard work has paid off at last," said Nigeria`s coach Shaibu Amodu.p
"All credit must go to the players. They have been wonderful. I only had to motivate them.
"We never really lost hope even when we lost some crucial games. We had always prayed for a miracle, which we`re celebrating today."
Two-goal hero Tijjani Babangida was estatic.
"I`m happy my goals have taken Nigeria to the World Cup. We`re going to party all night long."
The anxious crowd at the Liberation Stadium, which included President Olusegun Obasanjo, did not have to wait for too long to settle whatever fears they had about the outcome of the game when Victor Agali headed home in the very first minute.
Arsenal striker Nwankwo Kanu was brought down close to the Ghanaian box and Agali nodded home from the resultant free kick by Austin Okocha for his fourth goal in the qualifying series.
Two more goals by the pacy Babangida in the 20th and 43rd minutes wrapped up the Eagles ticket to the World Cup and set off wild celebrations across the entire country.
The match between these two rivals was not without incidence, though. Ghana`s substitute goalkeeper Issac Boateng was sent off in stoppage time of the first half for a professional foul on Agali and the versatile Emmanuel Osei Kuffour, the Black Stars most dangerous player, was forced to play in goal.
Ghana`s coach Fred Osam-Dudu and his captain of the day Emmanuel Osei Kuffour congratulated Nigeria on their qualification - but had their reservations about the officiating by the Tunisian referee Guirat Hichem.
"Nigeria were the better team on the day. We did not come here to play soft and made sure Nigeria had to work hard to get their victory," said Osam-Dudu.
"But I have my reservations about the referee. The first goal was questionable and the assistant referee even had his flag up. The red card given my substitute goalkeeper also slowed us down."
Kuffour added: "I congratulate Nigeria on their victory. I believe with hard work they will do Africa proud at the World Cup.
In Lagos, meanwhile, fans took to the streets and chanted victory songs over Nigeria`s qualification.
Soccer-loving youths took to the streets in the Obalende area of the city immediately after the match.
"Thank you Lord for giving us this victory," they sang.
Many beer parlours were filled with people celebrating the victory.
One of them, Banigo Nadiri, said he is very happy that Nigeria have qualified at last, offering free drinks to people.
"Anybody who wishes to drink can do so. I am ready to pay the bill," he told AFP.
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Hits: 1 | Source:Dailysoccer | |
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