Ahead of the Super Eagles’ semi-final clash with host Atlas Lions at the African Cup of Nations in Morocco, football enthusiasts are earnestly praying and even gambling for Nigeria’s victory.
While many have been praying for the success of the Super Eagles, some revealed that they have been staking bets, hoping to make good fortune from the outcome of the game.
Others said they did not believe in praying and fasting but they have confidence in the Super Eagles based on their performance in the tournament so far.
The Nigerian national team is one win away from the AFCON 2025 final and from there a dream away from lifty the coveted trophy.
Paul Danjuma, a barber and stylist, on Tuesday told Peoples Gazette said he would be staking N10,000 and he did not need to pray or fast because the Super Eagles have what it takes to win.
“We are going to beat Morocco 2-0. I will stake N10,000: Nigeria to win Morocco. I don’t know the odds the bet will give at the moment but I will multiply my money with the bet. I don’t need to pray or fast. We have all it takes to win the game,” Mr Paul said.
Sani Salihu, a panel beater, said he expected the Super Eagles to defeat Morocco.
“I pray Nigeria will win against Morocco. I’m also betting Nigeria to win,” Mr Salihu told The Gazette.
Fabian Edaba, a CAF-licensed coach and former gaffer of Calabar Rovers, expressed confidence that the Super Eagles will defeat Morocco like they defeated Algeria.
“With the last game’s performance, the boys have done fantastically well. Having not qualified for the World Cup, they are doing everything possible to win the AFCON. So I can see the zeal and determination. I believe we will do what we did with Algeria to Morocco,” Mr Edaba explained.
“I can stake my last kobo in my bank account that Nigeria will beat Morocco if the referee and other game officials are fair,” he told The Gazette.
Mr Edaba added, “Moroccans pray. Nigerians pray. Who do you think God will hear? The thing is, whoever plays well, wins the game.”
Another football enthusiast, Raymond Joseph, said though he would not stake a bet on the Nigeria-Morocco match, he would fast and pray for the Super Eagles’ victory.
“Super Eagles will win 2-0. I know Morocco is strong but our Super Eagles will flog them. I’m praying and fasting for them to win,” Mr Joseph said.
Kenneth Okereke, the director of PL Football Academy, said the semi-final game “is a definite win” for the Super Eagles.
“The guys are doing well. The defenders are playing well. The midfielders are OK and the wingers are coordinating with the attackers. So, it is a definite win for the Eagles,” Mr Okereke told The Gazette.
He noted that “if football is by prayer and fasting” Nigeria would have won the World Cup.
“I will not say how much I will stake on the game,” added Mr Okereke. “But I’m staking a high bet on the Eagles to win.”
David Ameh, a grassroots footballer and supporter of the Super Eagles, said, “I’ve already placed a bet that Nigeria will win. I played Nigeria to win 1-0. The Super Eagles have been doing pretty well. We are expecting nothing less than a victory against the host nation. We have quality players.”
For Mr Ameh, football enthusiasts like him “are praying and fasting also because Nigeria needs to redeem its place in football”.
“We are the giants of Africa. Even the grassroots players are looking up to the Super Eagles to win,” he said.
Arome Achimugu, a grassroots football coach at JVRome International, said, “Considering their form and consistency in the ongoing AFCON competition, I expect nothing less than a win.
“I’m not taking a bet on that because the game itself can go either way. I don’t believe fasting and prayer works in football. If you do the right thing, you’ll get the right result.”
Victor Ifeanyi-Eze, a grassroots footballer, said he was confident Nigeria would beat Morocco in the semi-final clash.
“Honestly, I’ll say I have 100 per cent assurance that the Super Eagles will win. Definitely, I’ll stake a bet and I know I will win. Naija for life,” Mr Ifeanyi-Eze said, kissing the badge on his jersey.
