LAGOS, July 11 (Xinhua) -- Former Nigeria's Super Eagles player Mutiu Adepoju on Thursday called on national team players to redouble their efforts and sustain the team spirit in camp as they move closer toward lifting the ongoing 2019 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Egypt.
The ex-international told reporters in Lagos, Nigeria's economic hub that the team could carry the day at the end of the event if they remained focused.
The former 3SC of Ibadan team manager gave the advice after Nigeria defeated South Africa 2-1 in the second quarterfinal of the 2019 AFCON, to book a place in the semifinals of the competition.
He commended the boys for defeating arch rivals, South Africa, in a tension-soaked match, and urged the team to sustain the momentum in the remaining two matches.
Defender William Ekong's late goal in the 88th minute ensured that the Super Eagles advanced to the semifinals with a 2-1 win over their Bafana-Bafana counterpart.
Earlier, winger Samuel Chukwueze opened the scoring in the 27th minute, while Bongani Zungu of Bafana-Bafana equalized in the 71st minute.
Adepoju said the Nigerian side must now redouble their efforts in the next game, as they sought to claim their fourth AFCON title.
He advised the technical crew to also intensify team training in penalties as the semifinal and final matches might stretch to extra time.
The Super Eagles are expected to play winners of the Cote d'Ivoire versus Algeria match in one of the semifinals on Sunday.
