15th October, 2014
Taiwo Adelu
Nigerians showed Wednesday’s evening that though they might be angry, they always want their team to produce good results as at and when due.
The feeling of most Nigerians on social media during and after the Super Eagles’ 2015 African Cup of Nations qualifier against Sudan that ended 3-1 was that their darling team did a good job to put the country’s hope of defending the AFCON title back on track.
A brace from Ahmed Musa and a goal from debutant from Chinese league, Aaron Samuel ensured that Stephen Keshi’s Eagles earned three points and first victory since the qualifying series started.
It also ensured that Nigeria move into third spot in Group A on four points. Salah Ibrahim Jizoli scored Sudan’s only goal of the grudge encounter at the Abuja Stadium.
On Twitter, @ogujohnugo hailed the Eagles for a job well done. “Congrats to the Boys for a Job well done…Congrats to Nigeria..Let us Keep praying for the country football instead of the evil talks. I am just urging us to learn how to believe and support our nation in any major tournament,” he tweeted.
Super Eagles out-of-favour midfielder Sunday Mba commended the team on his @mba_sunday account: “Hard times are not forever happy day is here again. Up SuperEagles.”
SuperSport journalist, @samywejinya wrote: “These are the Super Eagles we know and love. The Abuja fans cheering the Eagles…I can’t believe I am almost shedding tears of joy”. @KayodeAkintemi was rather impressed with diminutive Ahmed Musa’s finishing: “Musa’s brace makes it Nigeria 3-1 Sudan. Musa’s second goal is a personal effort that showed tenacity and determination. Beautiful goal,” he tweeted.
Complete Sports’ @NurudeenObalola was however cautious about the victory. “Good Eagles win, but there’s still a whole lot of work to be done. Happy with the result but with not the performance. Long way to go.”
For @oluwashina, the race to Morocco 2015 is alive. “The Super Eagles have clawed three points in Abuja to get their #AFCON2015Q back on ‘track’.”
SuperSport’s @ColinUdoh tweeted: “It was edgy sometimes, but the #SuperEagles showed grit to keep their hopes alive.”, adding that “Keshi was pilloried for inviting a player from China. That player (Aaron) has been among the most impressive, with a goal to his boot.”
@tunde3510 hailed Musa for keeping to his pre-match boast that he would score goals to celebrate his birthday. “Man of his words Ahmed Musa…he said he will score today as birthday gift and It happened….hmmmm.”
When Musa scored the first goal, an elated Abuja-based sports journalist, Aniete Iyoho responded with a tweet @AnnyIyoho: “GOAL: Ahmed Musa sends the crowd into ecstasy but it’s Mikel who did all the work for this opener. Nigeria 1-0 Sudan. #SoarSuperEagles.”
Deji Tinubu, former board member of Nigeria Football Federation, NFF in the administration of erstwhile President Aminu Maigari found words to described Musa’s first goal as he tweeted @dejitinubu: “Well taken goal. Mikel drove and slipped it to Musa who took the pass in between his markers and tucked it away from the keeper in one swoop !”
@iykeharris, however, wants embattled Coach Stephen Keshi, who must be relieved having bagged all three points to thank Musa. “Keshi must follow Musa home to thank him for stopping the stones from being hurled.”
@MrHARRY10 tweeted by asking Nigerians the pertinent question, saying, “Are We Still Sacking Keshi???”