A cross-section of football enthusiasts on Sunday in Abuja commended the Flying Eagles for their 2-0 victory over Hungary, describing the win as “a big relief’’.
The Flying Eagles defeated the Hungarians in their last Group E match at the ongoing FIFA U-20 World Cup in New Zealand.
The Nigerian team, alongside Brazil, have qualified for the second round of the competition with six and nine points respectively.
The football enthusiasts said that the team’s victory was expected.
Obi Offor, a sports journalist said he was relieved by the team’s victory.
“I will say that, first and foremost, I am relieved. I was very worried and, at the same time, confident that we are going to be victorious today (Sunday).
“The Hungarian side exhibited a lot of skills and displayed a very good tactical formation. They showed that they actually prepared to get the three points.
“But unfortunately for them, it was not a very good time to achieve such a lofty ambition, especially at a time when Nigeria most needed the win,’’ Offor said.
Joseph Yeigba, captain of NAF FC, an Abuja-based Nigeria Nation-Wide League (NNWL) clubside, also said the team had done well.
“Even though the Hungarian side were tactically good, the moves of players like Taiwo Awoniyi really helped the Flying Eagles carry the day.
“I think the team’s technical crew is doing a great job and I urge the coaches to continue to do well so as to win the championship, ” Yeigba said.
Okechukwu Onwudiewe, a newspaper vendor said the team was an improved one, in comparison with the one against North Korea in their second group game.
“They played well. It is just that they were relaxed, unlike in their second game against North Korea.
“For now, the defence is okay. But the midfield should be strengthened a little bit more, and they should play as team.
“`However, above everything, it is a good thing that they won today (Sunday),’’ he said.
