Some football fans in Gombe have expressed joy over the Super Eagles 1-0 victory against the Pharoahs of Egypt in the Group D opener of the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Kelechi Iheanacho scored the goal in the 30th minute to settle Nigeria’s victory over the seven-time champion, Egypt, at the Stadè Roumde Adjia, Garoua, Cameroon.
A cross section of the excited fans in separate interviews with NAN in Gombe on Tuesday, commended the players for superb performances.
They said the victory will go a long way in boosting the morale of the players and the coaching team.
Mr Uche John, a football enthusiast, said the match rekindled his love for watching football especially AFCON Championship.
“For a long time, I have not been watching the Super Eagles matches because I always get dissatisfied with their performance but today’s match was a redemption of some sort.
John said that Nigeria in recent time has not had it so good in football from the beginning of a game to the end.
“I want to thank the team, they really made my evening and given us good reason to have football discussions especially concerning the national team.
“This victory will make many Nigerians to have interest going into the next game and sincerely I am very happy I watched the game.”
Another fan, Yusuf Olayinka, said with this result, other teams would give the Eagles the respect they deserved, adding that our rating would also improve if such “sterling performance is sustained.”
For her part, Mrs Ogunjobi Folashade said the match had given Nigerians hope that the team would go far especially knowing that the team secured victory against seven-time AFCON champion.
Folashade, however, advised the team not to relax but go all out against Sudan, adding that, “victory against such big team could be deceptive going forward.
“We must humble ourselves and not allow this victory spoil our chances or make us proud against low-rated teams.”
NAN reports that most of the football viewing centres in Yelenguruza community a suburb of Gombe metropolis and other neighbouring communities were filled up with fans that turned up to watch the game. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
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