Reactions have trailed the smooth passage of the Olympic Eagles to the final qualifying round of the U23 Afcon after goals from captain Success Makanjuola and Ogunniyi Timilehin ensured a 2-0 win and 3-1 on aggregate against Tanzania.
Dundalk FC defender and part of the the team, Hezekiah Okirikpo expressed his happiness to go through while stating that Nigeria has a lot more to offer than Ireland in football.
“Nigeria has a lot more to offer to play for as a country, playing in the AFCON, players you want to see on a day to day basis, like Mane and Salah, really huge. The fans in Africa as well, very passionate and yesterday showed this again, for an U23 game, I haven’t seen a turn out like that anywhere in the world,” Hezekiah said to Sports247.
The U19 player in Ireland was happy with the invitation and the lessons it provided playing in Nigeria.
“I was very happy (when I saw the invitation). Spoke to my dad and agent and everyone was happy for me as well. I just had to focus and keep my head in the game from then on though it’s not my first time in Nigeria,” he said.
“It’s been good. Learning to adapt to a new style helps a player to be versatile. From European football to Nigeria, playing on surfaces and styles I’m not used to is going to add to my game,” he added.
“I’m excited and happy we got through to the next round. It’s always good to show for your nation in a big game like that, winning is very important,” the defender added.
Forging ahead, that plan is to mix Nigerian and European styles claims Hezekiah.
“The plan is to go back, try bring some different aspects of my game that I’ve learnt here, try to mix it with European football and see where it takes me” he stated.
