By Mark Ogagan
Former Mamelodi Sundowns defender, Muisi Ajao heaved a sigh of relief after Nigeria claimed a dramatic penalty shootout win over South Africa on Wednesday.
The victory steered Super Eagles to the final of the Afcon, but Ajao maintained that luck, rather than tactical prowess, aided Nigeria’s progress.
“I think we were somehow lucky to win this one because South Africa enjoyed more possession but failed to kill off their impressive build ups in the final third,” he told amatropics.com.
Ajao, who won multiple laurels with Sundowns in his playing days, also analyzed the Nigerian midfield, which had a torrid time containing the fast, skillful Bafana Bafana opposition.
“I noticed that our midfield lost bite and fluidity after Alex Iwobi, Frank Onyeka and Moses Simon were taken off. “I believe our coach must have learned one or two things from this game, not to substitute key players all at once.,” he said.
Ajao, who is based in South Africa but currently holidaying in the United States, would love to see Super Eagles lifting their fourth Afcon trophy on Sunday, but advised the team to be wary of hosts Cote d’ivoire.
“We should not be under any illusions that victory is assured even though we defeated them in the group stages. This is a different Ivorian team that has rediscovered it’s winning mentality and their progress to the final is a sure testimony.
“However, the cup is ours to win provided we are composed and start off on a front foot,” said Ajao, who won five international caps for Nigeria at senior level.
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