Posted by TONY UBANI reporting Live on
SHAKTAR DONESK striker, Julius Aghahowa is one of the star strikers in the line up of the Super Eagles that has been tipped to do so well to bring the Cup of Nations diadem to Nigeria.
SHAKTAR DONESK striker, Julius Aghahowa is one of the star strikers in the line up of the Super Eagles that has been tipped to do so well to bring the Cup of Nations diadem to Nigeria. In Egypt, he is receiving rave reviews. He knows the burden he is carrying but says with all modesty that the time to win the African Cup of Nations is now. 'I have won two bronze medals and I am tired of them. All I want is gold. And I believe that the time to win it is in Egypt", Aghahowa said. The somersaulting striker played in Mali where Senegal stopped them from getting to the final. And in Tunisia, the hosts again deprived them from getting to the final and they settled for yet another bronze. 'With the players in camp, the spirit and the coaches, we stand a better chance of winning", the player said. He however noted that it would be difficult because so many of the teams that did not qualify for the World Cup would also want to win to use it to appease their fans. 'It's almost the same thing as many of the other countries that did not qualify for the World Cup will want to win to make up for their absence. It is going to be tough but we have everything to win".
Aghahowa was not alone. Skipper Austin jay Jay Okocha said that it was even more imperative for the Eagles to win as it would serve as a send-off to him. 'Winning the Nations Cup will be the best way to say a final bye. I'll do my best and I know that all my team mates are in good spirit for us to win. But, we have to win the first match first before thinking of the winning the final", Okocha whose sparkling form would shock many who have written him off said.
Team Co-ordinator, Sumonu Bello-Osagie also agreed with the players that they can come home with the trophy. 'We have trained hard and the coaches have been wonderful. Hardwork, discipline and luck are part of the things a team need to triumph. I think we have to and need to pray to God to give us luck in our matches".