Africa Cup of Nations South Africa - The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) on Monday lashed out at those giving the false impression that the Super Eagles’ Coach, Stephen Keshi, has never won a match at the Africa Cup of Nations.
“This impression is not only false and a fallacy, but is also uncalled for on the eve of a crucial match at the Africa Cup of Nations,” said Ademola Olajire, NFF’s Assistant Director of Media.
Nigeria takes on Ethiopia Tuesday in a match that could determine the fate of the Super Eagles which had drawn in earlier match against Burkina Faso and Zambia.
Olajire continued: “Keshi is not a Cup of Nations failure. He won the Africa Cup of Nations as a player and has won a match at the Africa Cup of Nations as a Coach. Although his Togo side was winless in Egypt in 2006, Keshi was in charge of the Mali National Team when they defeated Malawi 3-1 at the finals in Angola three years ago.”
The NFF spokesman also pointed out that Mali was eliminated in the group stage in Angola only by the head-to-head rule. “The Eagles of Mali came from four goals down to draw 4-4 with the host nation in the tournament opening match, and then lost 0-1 to Algeria before beating Malawi 3-1. The same Malawian team had beaten Algeria 3-0.
Mali finished on four points as Algeria and had even healthier goals difference than Algeria, but was eliminated on the head-to-head rule.
Pana 28/01/2013