Nigeria coach Stephen Keshi has saluted the character of his players after they bounced back to beat Mozambique 4-2 on Wednesday. However, the coach was first to admit he cannot defend his skipper and goalkeeper Chigozie Agbim for Mozambiques first goal scored from over 50 yards.
“In football anything can happen. We prepared to win this game. I am happy with the boys, with the character they showed in the second half, that is the way to go," he said after the win which offered his team a lifeline.
"I know the first game there was a big fright. In the second half, I told them to just play like they are in a training session." Keshi though could not come to the defence of Agbim for the stunning opening goal by Mozambique skipper Dario Khan, who fired home from near the centre circle.
"For Agbim, the second goal has a lot to do with the pitch, the same thing happened to Khune of South Africa, the pitch is slippery. But for the first goal, I cannot defend him for that," he said.
Agbim has come under fire for the slips that led to Malis goals at the weekend. He said Mozambique are a team with a bright future. "Mozambique are a very good team. If they could be kept together, they would be a team for the future. They played very well, but we are happy that the game came our way today."
Nigeria battle hosts South Africa on Sunday knowing a win will book them a place in the knockout stage of the tournament.
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