Nigeria coach Amodu relieved after quarter final win

(GSM) – Troubled Nigeria coach Shaibu Amodu admits to be relieved that his team advanced to the semi finals of the Africa Cup of Nations, after having struggled their way out of the group phase.

Nigeria had failed to convince in the first round and the quarter final encounter with Zambia was similarly disappointing. Only a penalty shoot-out could take the ‘Super Eagles’ to the last four.

But following that hard-fought win, Amodu said that it was not his position he was worried about, but Nigeria’s reputation as a whole.

“I was worried about the reputation of Nigeria, not for my position. It was not good to be eliminated again at the quarter finals.

“We had to overcome this obstacle, because Zambia is a very good team, attacking and defending together. I told my players that this would be one of our toughest matches.”

Amodu went on to add that he believes that Nigeria can win the tournament. “I know I have players who can do it.

The Nigerians face Ghana in Thursday’s semi final, in which they will battle for a final spot against either Algeria or Egypt.