Nigeria pass Angola test, but skipper insists there’s more in the tank

But skipper William Ekong believes The Super Eagles had more in the tank than just the clean sheet and a well-taken winning goal by winger Ademola Lookman.

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It’s just how confident he is of the team going all the way.

''I think we have to give credit to Angola as well, they deserved to be in the quarterfinals. We made it a little bit difficult for ourselves at some moments, we need to do better when we are in position. We gave away the ball too many times and we need to manage that going forward,'' said Ekong.

Ekong persisted with the theme inside the Nigeria camp that their camaraderie is perhaps their strongest weapon.

''I think a lot had to be learned today, but I still believe in the mentality of this team. The fighting spirit is going to make us champions,'' added Ekong.

He dismissed the notion that goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, who now has four clean sheets in five matches, was hardly tested against Angola.

  ''He made a crucial save in the first half after a few minutes.  When you play against a good team, you don't have to give them a lot. We try and do our best to be solid and to open up space but that didn't work out perfectly for us.  We will see how we approach the next game,'' he concluded. 

The Chippa United keeper was initially a doubt for the Angola match, but made a quick recovery. He says he was pushed by messages of support.