Keshi: Victory over Bosnia for Africa

Super Eagles coach, Stephen Keshi, has said that his team team delivered a victory for all of Africa after Osaze Odemwingie’s goal put the team on the verge of reaching the World Cup knockout stages.

The Stoke City forward’s first-half strike decided a 1-0 win over Bosnia-Herzegovina in Cuiaba; and the result, while eliminating the Europeans from the tournament, sees Nigeria well-placed to progress from Group F.

A point from Wednesday’s meeting with group leaders Argentina, who defeated Iran 1-0 earlier on Saturday thanks to Lionel Messi’s late goal, would be enough to secure second place. A win would see Nigeria go one better and grab top spot.

And with West African neighbours Ivory Coast and Ghana also making a big impression in Brazil, Nigeria boss Keshi is determined to make sure his team are among the continent’s representatives in the last 16.

He spoke with FIFA.com.

“Everybody is happy in West Africa; Ghana got their result (2-2 draw with Germany) and we won. It’s good for the continent.

“The fighting spirit we showed was good. I never thought that we wouldn’t make the round of 16. I have the players. But look at Iran today, if it was not for Lionel Messi, [Argentina wouldn’t have won]. We need to work hard for the game against Argentina.”

Match-winner Odemwingie, who tucked away Emmanuel Emenike’s cross shortly before the half-hour mark, credited his colleagues for sticking together to secure all three vital points at the Arena Pantanal.

“The goal means a lot to me,” he said.

“But the win was down to 90 minutes of concentration and effort from my team-mates.  The most important thing today was the character. We even enjoyed defending together. I don’t know anyone who doesn’t love this country. Playing for my fatherland is an honour and a pleasure.

“I didn’t expect to score a winner in such an important game, I’m very happy. But this was a point the team earned. Right now, I’m so high on our team’s performance.”