Super Eagles forward Okechukwu Gabriel has attributed the team’s success in the ongoing African Nations Championship (CHAN) to a collective effort by the team.
Coach Salisu Yusuf-led squad written their names in the Nigerian football history books on Wednesday when they defeated Sudan 1-0 in the semi final clash to become the first team from-final to reach CHAN final.
Nigeria’s best outing before Wednesday was the third place finish achieved by the coach Stephen Keshi tutored side in the 2014 edition in South Africa.
Gabriel, who emerged the Man of the Match, scored the only goal against Sudan. He also netted the winning goal for Eagles in the game against Angola in the quarter final.
The Akwa United striker said the victory against Sudan means a lot to the team.
“I’m excited that we won. It was a collective effort not just one man effort. Kudos to the whole team. It was not an easy game but in the end, we emerged victorious. The victory means a lot to get to this stage,” Gabriel said.
He added: “I felt bad when Ikechukwu Ezenwa was injured because for a player to get injured whilst playing is not a good feeling. However, I did not panic because I knew the substitute (Ajiboye Oladele) was equal to the task.”