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ENTERTAINMENT and ADVENTURE => Sports Watch => Topic started by: Folami David on Jun 13, 2013, 09:26 PM

Title: Mannetti Praises Nigeria
Post by: Folami David on Jun 13, 2013, 09:26 PM
Head coach of the Namibia national team, Ricardo Mannetti has praised African champions, Nigeria after Wednesday's 1-1 draw between both nations in a 2014 Fifa World Cup qualifying game in Windhoek.
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Deon Kavendji's stunning strike after 77 minutes was cancelled out by Godfrey Oboabona's excellent free kick moments before the end as the two sides fought out an entertaining 1-1 draw at the Sam Nujuoma Stadium in front of 5,000 fans.
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Mannetti has now taken the time to give his thoughts on Wednesday's game that exploded to life in the second period.
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"Nigeria is a quality side and we are very happy with this result," Mannetti told namibiasport.com.na.
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Mannetti also discussed Namibia's tactics on the night explaining that he knew Nigeria would struggle to cope with his side's pace on the counter attacks.
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"That was the plan. We have been practising this for the past two, three days and I am happy the boys followed the instructions.
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"The substitutions I made were aimed at keeping the momentum and keep Nigeria on the back foot. It paid off as (goalscorer) Deon who just won an award as best young player for the season showed he's got brilliant potential by scoring against one of Africa's best goalkeepers (Vincent Enyeama) and the African champions.
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"We could have won but I don't even want to go there because if I had been asked to take a draw before the game, I would have accepted that happily.
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"To be honest, when we were leading, I was praying that we keep that lead but it was unfortunate it wasn't to be," he said.
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Nigeria currently lead Group F of 2014 Fifa World Cup qualifying with nine points from five matches. The Super Eagles will next meet Malawi on Matchday Six and will fail to progress to the playoffs if they lose to the Flames in September.
Title: Re: Mannetti Praises Nigeria
Post by: Shola Sholaz on Jun 14, 2013, 12:50 PM
I think Namibia coach had a lot of influence on the team when they met the Super Eagles of Nigeria. The draw was worth it.