William Ekong has praised the character of the Super Eagles after they came from behind to beat Cameroon 3-2 and progress to the 2019 AFCON quarterfinal.
Nigeria took the lead against the defending champions only for them to concede to two goals in quick succession just before the break.
However, they drew level after the interval before Alex Iwobi snatched the match winner late on.
“It is a great result for us and we are delighted to get through to the next round,” said Udinese defender Ekong.
“We were burnt in the game against Madagascar.
“We showed character (against Cameroon) to come back from behind to win and I am happy we could deliver.”
Former Nigeria coach and captain Sunday Oliseh also praised the character of the team.
“Super Eagles players showed strong mental strength to beat Cameroon and qualify for the quarterfinals,” he tweeted.
“Now everything is possible!
“Delighted for the boys.”
However, ex-Super Eagles captain Nwankwo Kanu urged the team to start believing in themselves more.
“From now they have to start believing they can do it,” he said.
“The game was there for them to win, but it was like they were panicking.
“They deserved their win.”
“They put up a dogged fight against the Cameroonians till the end and they won,” added Standard Liege midfielder Uche Agbo.
“But the job has only begun. There is South Africa next and so they have to stay focused.”
On Wednesday night in Cairo, the Eagles will take on South Africa in the battle for a place in the last four.
