It’s too early to start talking about winning AFCON, says Omeruo

Scorer of Super Eagles’ lone goal against the Syli Nationale of Guinea in their second group match on Wednesday, Kenneth Omeruo says it is too early to start talking about winning the on-going African Nations Cup.
 
Omeruo’s lone strike sealed victory for the Eagles in Wednesday’s match and took Nigeria to the round of 16 even with a game left against Madagascar.
 
Speaking after a training session in Alexandra yesterday, Omeruo said he was excited to score his first goal for the Super Eagles. “I am so excited to score my first goal for the Super Eagles, especially when it came at a time we needed it to move into the round of 16. We still have a lot to do, but I believe we have a good team.

“As I said, we have a good squad and we are working as members of one big family. We will do our best to make Nigerians proud,” Omeruo stated.
 
Meanwhile, midfielder, Oghenekaro Etebo has revealed that team captain, John Obi Mikel is one of the most important persons in the Nigerian set up.

Mikel was one of the five players Gernot Rohr dropped from the starting line up in the squad that faced Guinea on Wednesday, but Etebo says the former Chelsea man still had a hand in their victory.

“I must tell you he is a good leader, a quality leader for that matter even when he is not on the pitch, he always encourages everyone.”

Etebo disclosed that Mikel has been shielding the team from external political influence, adding, “he usually advised that we should stay as a nation, which is very important and I respect him because it shows he is a leader on and off the pitch.

“The most important thing is that every team that wants to succeed sticks together because that’s what the manager also advises us, whether you are playing or not.”