Ebonyi football fans have hailed the Super Eagles over their vital win against hosts Cote d’Ivoire at the ongoing 34th African Cup of Nations (AFCON).

On Thursday night, the Eagles beat the Elephants of Cote d’Ivoire 1-0 to restore hope of a second-round qualification.

On Friday in Abakaliki, the fans attributed the victory to the return of the Nigerian fighting spirit.

Maxwell Umahi, the senior special assistant to the Ebonyi governor on Urban Development, said, “The players took the match as a cup final, outplayed the Ivorians in all departments and shunned the vociferous antics of the home fans. 

“This was the way Nigeria played in the past, and we pray that there will be no relapse.”

John Madukwe, coach of Future Stars Football Club of Abakaliki, hailed Coach Jose Peseiro for his “spot on” tactics, ensuring victory.

“Realising that the Ivorians packed their midfield, he employed a 3-5-2 formation which neutralised the Ivorian potency.

“Peseiro’s discovery and belief in goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali seem to be yielding fruits and portends hope of solving our goalkeeping problem,” he said.

Chinedu Eneja, publisher of Bold Images Sports Magazine, said the Eagles showed that a team should not be written off due to its performance in the first match.

Ijeoma Njelita, a youth activist, urged the team to win its final match with Guinea-Bissau and top the group.

“Agreed that there are no longer minnows in football, it is still preferable to top the group and meet a lesser fancied opponent in the second round.

“Nigerians should continue praying for the team to prevent the usual heartbreaks experienced when expectations are high,” she said. 

(NAN)