Having seen his side qualify for the 2014 FIFA World Cup,Super Eagles coach Stephen Keshi said that his team were nervous in the 2-0 win that secured qualification over Ethiopia.
Nigeria found the back of the net from two set-pieces,first scoring from the penalty spot through Victor Moses in the first half,and the second goal gotten from a free-kick by Obinna Nsofor with ten minutes to the end of the game.
Keshi admitted that they did not light up the whole place with electric performances as the players were too nervous before the game.
"The first thing was to make sure we qualified," the 51-year-old was quoted as saying by Kickoff Nigeria.
"In today's game I don't mind that we played badly as long as we qualified. We have other games where we can play beautiful football" he noted.
"There was a lot of anxiety around the players. I had to calm them down and make sure their state of mind was intact, but I knew it was going to be a little difficult for them to focus.
"I remember the same thing happened to us in Algeria in 1993 with players not being able to eat because they were so anxious. We had to try to make sure we got them to calm down a bit."
Keshi said that they gave the game their all to make sure they are in Brazil.
"It was a very big battle," Keshi said.
"And that's why I thank the players, because a lot of sacrifices went into this. Whatever came out today, as long as we qualify, and our flag is flying in Brazil, I will take it."
The Super Eagles have already begun preparations for the game,and tomorrow in London play an international friendly against Italy,who themselves have equally qualified for the World Cup.
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