Kelechi Nwakali has revealed his satisfaction at the performance of the Super Eagles B team in Tuesday’s 3-2 GOTV Max Cup friendly defeat to Atletico Madrid at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo.
Nwakali was one of the standout performers for the Salisu Yusuf’s team in the encounter where he scored one of Nigeria’s goals.
“It was a good game from our team, I didn’t expect this kind of performance from our team because we came only three days to the game,” the Arsenal midfielder sa8d in his post-match interview.
“We thank God for the opportunity from the coach. The team build-up and play was awesome.”
On his brilliant goal against Atletico Madrid, Nwakali said: “It was a thing of joy for his achieving the feat. We will work harder and keep pushing until we get there.”
Nwakali’s sublime hit from range in the 31st minute gave the Super Eagles B team the lead but Angel Correa restored parity for the newly crowned UEFA Europa League champions a minute later.
Fernando Torres came on as a second half substitute to make it 2-1 for Atletico Madrid in the 64th minute before Usman Mohammed levelled scores for the Nigerian side after bamboozle the Atletico defence with lovely foot work in the penalty area.
Borja Baston sealed the win for Atletico Madrid five minutes from time, firing in off a defence-splitting pass.
Nwakali also played down his exclusion from Nigeria’s provisional squad for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.
“The coach decides who he picks and I believe he has a right to do so.”
On the chances of the Super Eagles at the 2018 FIFA World Cup, Nwakali said Gernot Rohr’s side possess quality players to deliver in Russia.
“We have the players to succeed in Russia if they put their mind to it,” he added.
