Ekpo lauds Super Eagles performance
Former Super Eagles midfielder, Friday Ekpo has lauded the performance of the Super Eagles in Saturday’s 2017 AFCON qualifier against Tanzania but said the team needs a creative player to propel the team.
Speaking to Daily Trust yesterday, the former international said the match was a difficult one because Taifa Stars threw everything at the Super Eagles in their bid to win.
He said considering the fact that most of the players played a competitive game together for the first time, they should be commended for putting up such performance.
Ekpo therefore said by the time the Eagles play the next two to three matches, they would be able to build the required team spirit and understanding.
“In my opinion, the Eagles did very well by holding their own against a highly motivated Tanzanian team. We should not forget that most of them were playing together for the very first time.
“They showed the right fighting spirit. There was determination and desire to win.
“Moreover, they played under pressure because that was Oliseh’s first game in charge of the team and the players worked hard to ensure he did not start with a loss.
“In all they deserve commendation because they were able to avoid defeat. The point they got against Tanzania would prove vital in future”.
The former Abiola Babes, Leventis United and BCC Lions midfielder also said the coach should look for a creative midfielder who would drive the team in matches.
He said against Tanzania, Eagles midfield was weak and that was why the Tanzanians keep coming at the Eagles without hindrance.
“One of the areas I feel Oliseh should work on is the midfield. The team needs a player maker to hold the team’s midfield and ensure steady supply of passes to the strikers,” he said.