Stephen Keshi’s joy and sense of accomplishment after winning the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) with Nigeria are palpable in his statements. Having secured his second CAN title, the first as a coach and the second overall (the first as a player in 1998), Keshi expresses the significance of the victory for the entire nation.
In his statement, Keshi emphasizes that the victory is primarily for Nigeria, highlighting his commitment to bringing happiness to the nation through football. He mentions that when he took over as the coach a little over a year ago, his dream was to build a formidable team and make Nigeria proud. While acknowledging the progress made, he also recognizes that there is still work to be done for the team to reach its full potential.
Keshi’s dedication of the victory to all Nigerian coaches reflects humility and a recognition of the collective effort involved in achieving success. He emphasizes that the victory is not just about him but is a result of the prayers and support of all the coaches who have contributed to the development of Nigerian football.
Reflecting on the history of Nigeria in the Africa Cup of Nations, Keshi mentions the significance of reaching the final after a long gap since 2000 when he was the assistant coach. This victory not only brings personal fulfillment to Keshi but also contributes to the resurgence of Nigerian football on the continental stage.
