Only God can stop Eagles–Echiejile declares
As Nigeria files out against Burkina Faso tomorrow in the 2013 AFCON Final, Elderson Echiejile declares:
By JOHN JOSUAH AKANJI, in South Africa
Super Eagles’ defender, Elderson Echiejile, has been speaking of his expectations in tomorrow’s Nations Cup final between Nigeria and the Stallions of Burkina Faso, his goal at the tournament and the secret of Eagles’ success at the showpiece in South Africa. Excerpts.
What is behind Super Eagles’ success so far at the Nations Cup in South Africa?
It’s God, coupled with hard work and determination. A lot of people didn’t believe in us, but we believed in ourselves. We have trust in God and we thank Him for taking us this far. By His special grace, we shall return to Nigeria with the Nations Cup trophy.
What was in your mind when you made that great dive to score against Mali in the semi-final match on Wednesday?
As you know, people don’t believe in the ability of defenders to score goals. So, I decided to take that risk to dive at full stretch to score. But it’s God that made it possible and I thank Him for all he has done for me in this competition.
When I scored that goal, I gave thanks to the Almighty One, my family and Nigerians as a whole for giving me the opportunity to serve my country.
It’s not easy when you go into a competition and people would not believe in you. But I thank God that all that has changed now for good.
What is your expectation in the final?
The game is going to be exciting. We’ve come a long way, so we’ll do our best to ensure that our making it to the final wouldn’t be in vain. No doubt, it’s going to be tough, but the God that brought us this far will not abandon us at this auspicious moment. We believe in hard work, but ultimately, everything is in God’s hands.
But to say the least, nothing, not anybody can stop the Super Eagles of Nigeria from lifting the Nations Cup trophy tomorrow. We’re united in prayers. And with Nigerians and God solidly behind us, Burkina Faso can’t stop us.
What lesson have you learnt from your participation in the Nations Cup?
In anything you do, you must believe in the power of the God Almighty because with Him, all things are possible. Again, when people try to bring you down, try and believe in yourself.
Right from the qualifiers, we believed that we would do well in the competition, but a lot of pressure was on the team. Some people simply felt that we would not do well, but thank God that we have surpassed all expectations.
The battle is not yet over. We’re done with the semi-final match and its attendant celebrations. We’ve learnt to take one game at a time. Now, our focus is on the cup and the way it is, everything is in God’s hands.
Would you have liked to meet Ghana in the final instead of Burkina Faso?
Well, we don’t have the luxury of making a choice of the opponent to play in the final. As far as I’m concerned, we’re ready to play Burkina Faso. We had the benefit of playing against the team at the group stage of the tournament, so I can say that we know a beat of their pattern of play and, therefore, cannot be intimidated. We’re not afraid of Burkina Faso.
Have you achieved the goal you set for yourself?
No, I’ve not. It’s good to play in the final of the Nations Cup and hopefully win the trophy. But after conquering Africa, we still have the World Cup qualifiers ahead of us. I’ll only be fulfilled after we might have won the cup and go ahead to qualify for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil where I hope Nigeria should also do well.
Yes i so much like the way this player is talking,all that he has said base on one hope as human being should be on God not on any human being.yes with God all thing are possible the super eagles are coming home with that cup that shuold be our prayers for eagles.we are the African chapons
NOT only to prayers he attributed the success of the Super Eagles, but also to HARD WORK and BELIEF IN SELF! I think this is a big lesson for us Nigerians to understand the place of hard work. Many a time people leave their work and do only prayers, that does not give any good result. But hard work and prayers give success! God bless the Super Eagles as they make us happy today.
Cant wait 2 shout is a goal on sunday,score line Nigeria 3 barkina faso 1 .God bless naija
Patriotism and Godliness is always the key to any National success.
As you file out on Sunday in the final, may the Good Lord reward your efforts with the GOLD!
Nigeriab players must avoid what I will call ‘elephant’s syndrome’.elephants syndrome is where a team play well and in the crucial match they will become rethagic and redundant due to fear of taking goal and loosing.The burkinabese are not so technical or tachtical like nigeria so far,but they have a great fighting spirit.
Eagles must be ready and prepare for anything.Ivorian didn’t anticipate a situation where it’s the eagles that circulating the ball better with great fluidity.they expected to see the eagles pursuing and engaging them physically while they themselve enjoy the passing and the goals but were stunned.we must be ready in such case cause a determined mind is capable of anything.
Nigeria 1 barkina faso 2.
This your prediction will also be applicable to your life. this is how the result will always be whenever you tango with your enemies, amen.
Nigeria 1 burkina faso 2.
Another animal seeking for attention…Please ignore him everyone!!!!
Nigeria wil do well , if they wil nt play selfish game in d last match. Emenike may like to play a selfish game in order to maintain highest goal scorer. the term wil also be conscious of bokinafaso and their roughness in game
Up nigeria wit GOD all things are posible we believe in u guys and will always believe in u d super eagles of nigeria so dis is d time to prove to d world dat u are d giant of AFRICA!! Goodluck nigeria.
Elderson, i love all that you have said. Still be faithfull to God.
God is with Nigeria.
We are going to win the trophy.
Oduduwa or whatever they call you, you are crazy
The Nations cup trophy @ the beginning of the year 2013, will be for Nigeria the beginning of the devine process of Recovery and restorations of lost years of glory, In Jesus Name… Amen
With God quite sure Nig is going to play B/Faso 3~1 , if you doubt me call me with this number after the match 08130886003
My Biafran brother Echiejile have said it all.
I’m proud of achievement of Biafrans dude in Eagles,that is another confirmation without Ndi Igbo nothing works in nigeria.
THis is Nigeria not Ndigbo playing, can you just set tribalism aside for once? Haba, this is soccer o! God save us!
U must be an imbecile for that statement.EWU!! Isi monkey
ODUDUWA, or what ever you called yourself, I reject your prediction, GOD forbid bad thing, Victory is for the super eagles in jesus name Amen. ODUDUWA YOU ARE A SABOTOUR.
Oduduwa u re imbecile 4 making dat unpatriotic comment
Oduduwa, you are a crazy and stupid non-Nigerian. You better stop you dirty mouth, otherwise, God will perish you. Take time.
I thank God for the Eagles. I
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Victory is sure, but pls dont be selfish on d pitch.
Oduduwa, you better leave this country and go to burkina faso and start praticing how to cry, because, when we start our celebration tomorrow and discover that you are still in nigeria you will see red, go to exile bcos you don’t wish our country good so you don’t deserve to stay in this country, may GOD forgive you bcos you don’t know what you are doing, we are looking forward to see your apology letter to the nation and our super eagles.
SUPER EAGLES GO FOR GOLD, GOD IS WITH YOU, VICTORY IS SURE IN JESUS MIGHTY NAME>OOOOOOOH.
When God said Yes No body can say No, Super Eagle will carry the African Cup of Nation 2013 tomorrow being Sunday ,date 10/02/2013. May God be the glory.
yes, my guy God will awser our prayer tomorrow.
I prophesied that nigeria is going to play burkina faso 4-2
super Eagles have gone beyound our expectation and we are encouraging them not to relent in lifting the trophy, so that our countrie’s image will be promoted.
IT IS FINISHED. AFTER 93 MINUTES, WE WILL CELEBRATE!
God is wid you guys. Love ur faith and trust in God my fellow Nigerian. God bless Nigeria
Ameen to all your prayers,wishes and predictions on the outcome of today’s match between Nigeria and our brothers from Burkina Faso.To God be all praises.
May the best side win today.
Monde Eagles, (Peace to Eagles) God is with Nigerians and he answers prayers, so join us to celebrate today.
All the best, Super Eagles!
THE BATTLE BETWEEN NIGERIA AND BURKINA FASO IN THE AFRICAN CUP OF NATIONS FINAL IS VERY CLOSE, PREDICT THE FINAL SCORES, AND WIN MTN RECHARGE CARD. SEND YOUR PREDICTIONS TO THIS NUMBER (07034740026) GOODLUCK.
NIGERIA IS GOD`S OWN COUNTRY, LOVE TRUST IN GOD AND CARRY HIS NAME ALONG, HE WILL NOT LET US DOWN, THAT CUP IS FOR US IN JESUS NAME AMEN.
CARRY GO BROTHERS WE ARE WITH YOU.
This player has confidence in God. God will not dissappoint him and Nigeria as a nation.
This is a coal for u my freinds,God is ready to do it for us.
Super Eagles 1 Stallions of Bukina Faso 0