Eagles can make real impact at 2019 AFCON - Ighalo
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| Odion Ighalo |
Ace forward Odion Jude Ighalo has expressed confidence that
three –time champions, Super Eagles of Nigeria can make a serious impact at the
32nd Africa Cup of Nations scheduled for next year summer.
A five –goal haul by the China –based striker over three
days, against the Mediterranean Knights of Libya in the month of October,
propelled the Super Eagles to top place in Group E of the qualification series,
with the score draw away to South Africa in November eventually sealing a place
at the finals.
Africa’s football –governing body, CAF is set to name a new
host nation on 9th January 2019 after withdrawing the hosting
mantle from Cameroon. But Ighalo says anywhere the finals are staged (South
Africa and Egypt are the candidates), Nigeria would be ready to contest
strongly for the diadem.
“Whether the championship is held in Egypt or South Africa,
we will be ready. We have the advantage of having been together for sometime
now, with the bulk of the team having played at the World Cup. Qualifying for
the AFCON has also made us believe very much in our ability and of course,
the Nigerian Spirit is always there to propel us in difficult
times.
“We are all aware of what Nigerians expect from us. We will
prepare hard and strive to deliver,” Ighalo said as he savoured the occasion
when the Nigeria Football Federation celebrated its sponsors and partners in
Lagos on Thursday night.
President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Mr. Amaju
Melvin Pinnick, used the occasion to pinpoint Ighalo as the very definition of
patience, perseverance and fortitude, whose experience is worthy of study by
the average Nigerian youth seeking success but confronted with challenges.
“Ighalo has become the metaphor for success on the back of
perseverance, continued improvement and patience. For several months he was
looking to score for the National Team but it did not happen. He never gave up,
and the coaches kept their belief in him. Then, in only three days, he scored
five goals to become the leading scorer in the 2019 AFCON qualification series.
There is nothing drive and doggedness cannot achieve.”
Ighalo presently has six goals in the 2019 AFCON
qualifiers. His first goal was in the Matchday 2 game away to Seychelles in
September, which Nigeria won 3-0.
The final match of the qualification series, an academic
exercise against Seychelles in Nigeria on 22nd March 2019, will
rather serve as part of the preparation for the 2019 finals.
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