Hamilton sure of Eagles
by Humphrey Njoku 31 January 2013, 09:27
Former Nigerian manager, Paul Hamilton has charged Nigerians not to write off Super Eagles against the Elephants of Cote d' Ivoire.
The two West African foes will clash in Rustenburg in Sunday's quarterfinal game at the ongoing 2013 Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa.
The Eagles finished second in Group C behind leaders, the Stallions of Burkina Faso while the Elephants are in pole position to win Group D to pave the way for the epic clash at the biennial football fiesta.
Hamilton said there are still lots of work to be done in the defence to put the side on sound footing towards defending their name at the Afcon.
"People have written the Super Eagles off against Cote d'Ivoire even before the game is played, that's not proper, we shouldn't write the off yet.
"Football itself is full of surprises and in most cases bookmakers find to their chagrin nowhere to hide their faces at the end of the game.
"Don't say the Eagles can't ruffle the Elephants, only 90 minutes can decide that though I admit we've lots of work to do as far as the team are concerned.
"So far Enyeama has been fantastic in goal. He has shown why he remains Nigeria's first-choice goalkeeper but a goalkeeper is nowhere if he has no good defence.
"Our defence must be worked on. Yobo is doing well but not good enough. I thank God we've got a relief we can cement it with better defence," said the former Nigerian player to supersport.com.
Hamilton equally challenged Eagles' midfielder, John Obi Mikel to up his game as one of the most experienced players in the side's line-up.
"Mikel is doing well in the middle, it has been one man thing which shouldn't be the case. Others in the middle are not doing well but I think Mikel should up his game by assisting the attack. He should learn how to go forward and come back, his colleagues in other teams like DR Congo, South Africa, Cote d'Ivoire, among others, do it.
"Emenike, Ideye and Musa should be given more lectures, football is not an individual (game) but a team sport," said the former Super Falcons' manager.
Hamilton however charged the players to show more respect to the national colours in their attitude to work.
"Afcon is more than mere participation you make history and name, too. During my time we struggled to put on the national colours and when we put it on it's enough tonic to go the extra miles to achieve results. I want to see that attitude in the present crop of Eagles," he enthused.
