Black Stars Defeat Wake Up Call

The Nigerian Super Eagles captain Nwankwo Kanu has said that Tuesday’s defeat by Ghana was a ‘wake up call’ for all involved in football that Nigeria could not take any match for granted anymore.

Kanu, who spoke to THISDAYSports on Wednesday, said he was very saddened by the loss but was quick to call on Nigerians to rally round the Eagles and not start the blaming game.

“It is very unfortunate that the match ended the way it did. I had been looking forward to a very good game between two very talented sides but unfortunately we conceded a number of soft goals.”

Kanu, who warmed up twice but never made it into the pitch, diplomatically declined to explain why he did not play or lay blames on particular players.

“Look nobody likes losing perhaps a number of the players were under pressure it happens in football. Besides there is no guarantee that had I played the result would have been any different.

“Right now is not the time to start blaming anybody. Instead we should look at the positive side at least we have started playing friendlies and the essence of which is to gauged players and make corrections ahead of competitive matches. I’m sure the handlers would have noticed a few things that need correcting and I can assure you that it won’t happen again – the Eagles losing by four goals!”

He appealed to Nigerians not to turn their backs on them especially as there are still important games coming up.

“Yes even though it was a friendly I will admit that the outcome is a big surprise but this does not mean fans should turn against us. We have resolved to make amends and one way is by ensuring that we qualify for the Nations Cup without giving fans any stress. And once we’ve qualified the next thing is to make a concerted effort to regain our African crown. But we can only make this possible with the support and prayers of Nigerians,” said the Portsmouth star, whose club manager Harry Redknapp watched the game from the stands.