Eagles sweep awards

Super Eagles midfeilder, Sunday Mba yesterday won the Man of the Match award in the AFCON quarterfinal match against Cote D’Ivoire at the Royal Bafikeng Stadium in Rustenburg.

Mba, an home-based player with Warri Wolves of Delta State, scored the second goal as they Eagles ran out with a surpirse 2-1 win over the highly rated Ivorians, featuring the likes of Didier Drogba, Yaya Toure and Cheik Tiote.

Nigeria’s forward Sunday Mba kicks the ball during the African Cup of Nation 2013 quarter final football match Ivory Coast vs Nigeria, on February 3, 2013 in Rustenburg. AFP PHOTO

His goal was simply stunner, as he raced in to launch a ferocious shot which landed in the back of the net of the Ivorians. The contribution of the attacking midfielder in the match, was very significant as he cut of passes to the likes of Toure and Drogba.

Adding his name to the list of award winners was central defender, Kenneth Omeruo, whose partnership with Godfrey Oboabona of Sunshine Stars, held the Ivorians at bay, won for  him the fair play gong.

Given that he was up against perhaps the most-dreaded attacking trio of Drogba, Gervinho and Toure, Omeruo showed calm composure as he disarmed his opponents without causing  unnecessary chaos in the defence or committing fouls. That he did not get any caution or booking in the game says a lot of his worth as he gentle defence trojan.