The Super Eagles of Nigeria are currently performing impressively well under the guidance of Jose Peseiro
The National Chairman of the Nigeria Football Supporter's Club (NFSC), Reverend Samuel Ikpea, has advocated for the continuity of the current Super Eagles technical crew, urging the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to maintain the winning team, Soccernet.ng reports.
Speaking from the NFSC lodge in Adjame, Côte d’Ivoire, ahead of Nigeria's upcoming match against South Africa on Wednesday, Ikpea emphasized the importance of sticking with the squad to sustain their success.
Under the leadership of Portuguese coach Jose Peseiro, the Super Eagles have achieved the top four finish as stipulated in his contract for the 2023 AFCON.
Despite expressing his affection for Nigeria by accepting a pay cut and agreeing to a semi-final clause in his new contract, Peseiro's coaching abilities have faced scepticism from some football supporters. However, he has won the hearts of many Nigerians with the team's recent performances.
Ikpea urged the football body to retain Peseiro in order to build a formidable team that commands respect on the international stage.
“As far as I’m concerned, you don’t drop a winning team, and the coach is performing, so for me, when we win this cup by the grace of God on February 11, I think I will want to learn from my support that coach Jose Peseiro should remain as Super Eagles coach.” he said to Soccernet.ng.
Expressing optimism ahead of the Wednesday encounter against South Africa, Ikpea emphasized the importance of belief in the current Super Eagles squad.
He highlighted the NFSC's role as the 12th man on the field, emphasising their pre-match prayer rituals and invoking the Holy Spirit's presence.
Ikpea also emphasized the role of luck in football, citing recent matches where late equalizers demonstrated the unpredictability of the sport.
He added: “If you follow most of the games, you will find out before the match, we do worship Almighty Father, we bring down the presence of the Holy Spirit in our midst, and you should not rule out the element of luck when it comes to the game of football.
“You saw what happened to the Ivory Coast and Mali; at the end of the game, they equalize, and that is luck, so having the presence of God in our midst and giving them those inspirational songs, I think it contributed to the part success of the team.”
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Encouraging Nigerians to support the Super Eagles from wherever they are, Ikpea assured fans that victory is assured for the team, urging them to wear the national colours and rally behind the players.
