Super Eagles Head Coach, Stephen Okechukwu Keshi says he believes that his wards have received the baptism of fire in their Group A opening match against Mali on Saturday in Cape Town and will bounce back to ensure qualification for the next round of the tournament.
Speaking at the post match conference Saturday, Keshi admitted that the players were desperate not only to convince himself and the technical crew of their potentials but majority of Nigerians and the world that they could be part of the World Cup party. “The pressure was massive and I expected this type of happening but I am certain that they now know that they have to satisfy themselves and have confidence in themselves, because we have lost the opening game and we have to forget that and fight for qualification from the remaining two games.
He said most of the players were playing at the big stage for the first time and it showed in the manner they played, adding that he has been talking to them and he was sure that the result will show in the second game.
On why the team played better in the second half than the first, the reigning African Coach of The Year, said he simply told them during the interval to loosen up and enjoy their game instead of trying to impress the coach, the fans, the nation and even scouts. “The team will definitely get better”, Keshi assured after Mali’s shock 2-1 win over the Super Eagles on Saturday.
On the players’ part, defence Trojan, Azubuike Egwuekwe who held his own in the face of misfiring mates and winger Ejike Uzoenyi who was also impressive, said they have been talking to their teammates to wake up to the reality of playing at the big stage.
“We didn’t play well at all today and we all know it but we have decided that we will come back stronger and better. I plead with Nigerians to give us another opportunity, “ Egwuekwe said. Uzoenyi on his part said experience counted aplenty in the game against Mali but assured that all hopes are not lost. “We will be back and better in the next game” he said.
