The national chairman of Nigeria Football Supporters Club (NFSC), Samuel Ikpea, says the club’s total support for the Super Eagles was instrumental in Nigeria’s victory against Cote d’Ivoire.

Nigeria landed a major blow in the race for AFCON knockout qualification by defeating hosts Cote d’Ivoire 1-0 in Thursday’s titanic Group A clash.

Mr Ikpea told journalists on Saturday in Abidjan that the support Super Eagles received from the NFSC during the crucial match was resounding and unprecedented.

“Though we were submerged from every side by the home crowd, our over 700 fans were relentless in their support as they sang and danced to inspiring Nigerian songs.

“In spite of the relentless roars of support from the over 45,000 Ivorian fans, the Elephants could not find an equalizer as we continued to support the Super Eagles non-stop.

“Indeed, that was what gave the Super Eagles the strength they needed to hold on for the famous victory,” he said.

He appreciated all the sponsors, including Demillier Industries, makers of classic peanut, Sifax, Goldberg, Life and ZAGG energy drinks, who assisted the NFSC in achieving its goals.

Mr Ikpea called on other sponsors to support the NFSC as it is poised to give the Eagles support in their final group game against Guinea-Bissau.

“We are calling on other corporate bodies, private organisations and philanthropists to give us that financial backing that can help us continue with the good work we are doing here.

“We believe that beyond beating the hosts at their own backyard, we can go all the way to bring the trophy home with the much-needed support,” he said.

In the same vein, Bright Osundu, the vice chairman of the Cote d’Ivoire NFSC chapter, said the arrival of the NFSC president for the crucial match was a game changer.

He said that if the supporters were present last Sunday, the Super Eagles would have beaten Equatorial Guinea.

“Indeed, the energy and charisma the chairman brought into Abidjan was top-notch,” he said.

Mr Osundu, who doubles as the mobilisation committee chairman, said that he mobilised a lot of local support from Cote d’Ivoire, which made up the over 700 fans that cheered the team to victory.

“I dedicate the victory against the Elephants to the chairman and all members of NFSC worldwide; they are amazing,

“We will be ready to support the team in their next game and throughout the tournament against all odds,” he said.

(NAN)