PORT HARCOURT/Nigeria: Former Nigeria Football Federation technical and development committee chairman Christopher Green has said the Super Eagles have gathered strong momentum at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco after recording a perfect run in the group stage.
Nigeria topped their group with three wins from three matches to book a place in the round of 16, a performance Green described as a positive response to the disappointment of missing out on the FIFA World Cup.
Speaking to hotnewsroundup.com on Wednesday, Green said the players had shown resilience, improvement and renewed determination. “The players have responded positively after the disappointment of missing the World Cup. They have shown improvement and determination,” he said.
Green noted that the team now looks focused on challenging for the title, adding that improved motivation, aided by financial incentives approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has contributed to the team’s renewed drive.
“They have the momentum now,” he said.
The former NFF official, who is also the Rivers State Commissioner for Justice and oversees sports in the state, described the round of 16 as the critical phase of the tournament and warned the players against distractions.
“This is the business stage of the competition. Total concentration is required,” Green said.
While acknowledging that Nigeria’s strong showing has marked the Super Eagles as one of the teams to watch at the Africa Cup of Nations, he cautioned that complacency could be costly as the knockout rounds begin.
