By Raphael Ekpang
Ahead of the crucial game against the Elephant of Cote D’Ivoire on Thursday evening, Nigeria ex-basketball star, Ejike Ugboaja Christopher (MFR) has charged the Super Eagles not to show mercy to their host in a bid to come our top of group A.
Ugboaja noted that the opening game draw against Equatorial Guinea was an eye opener to the Eagles, therefore, he said the team must play in the Nigeria way of ‘never say die’
Ugboaja, the first African to be drafted to the NBA, who was also players representative to the immediate past board of the Nigerian basketball Federation (NBBF) said he is optimistic that Nigeria will do well in the tournament irrespective of the outcome of Thursday’s game.
“According to him, “I don’t see the Elephant of Cote D’Ivoire as a major threat to the Super Eagles because in 2013 we brushed them aside en route to winning the AFCON, so I see a repeat of 2013 here.
“You know, Nigerians have a spirit of never say die-i guess that would work for our players when they file out against Cote D’Ivoire.
“I just have to wish the team goodluck because I know they won’t let the country down. They actually know the important of that game against CIV and what Nigerians back home and in diaspora are expecting from them, so let’s keep our fingers crossed and expect nothing but victory on Thursday,” he said.
Meanwhile, Ugboaja, the CEO of Ejike Ugboaja FC has also appreciated the federal government for making funds available for the boys through the concerted efforts of the Minister of sports, Senator John Owan Enoh.
This, he said will ginger the players to give the best in the tournament, while urging the leadership of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), to keep on the motivation of the team through out the tournament.