Eagles hero, Chikatara, dedicates hat trick to late mum

Chisom Chikatara, the Super Eagles substitute who grabbed three goals in the 4-1 victory against Niger Republic, has dedicated the hat trick that won him the man of the match award to his late mum.

Speaking with TheCable on Tuesday, Chikatara stated that coming on and changing the game does not make him just a second-half or late-game specialist, as he could also play from the start.

“Thank God for everything and I want to appreciate my team mates and wish to dedicate my goals to my late mum and my family,” he said.

“The coach has belief in all of us as a team. Coming in as a second half substitute does not mean I cannot start the next game or also not come from the bench again. He gave instructions and thank God I was able to make use of some of them.

“Although, I missed some scoring chances in the game, I am happy all the same to have helped my team. I want to thank the coach for believeing in all of us.

“We are taking the matches one after the other and what we are hoping for now is for God to crown our efforts because we have worked so hard and I know that we will go far. I want Nigerians to keep praying for us and we are ready to do more and put smiles on their faces.”