Flying Eagles goalkeeper Clinton Lawani has credited his penalty shootout heroics in Nigeria's semi-final victory over Ivory Coast to intensive training and the confidence reposed in him by the coaching crew.
Lawani emerged as Nigeria's hero after saving two spot-kicks as the Flying Eagles defeated hosts Ivory Coast 4-3 on penalties following a 2-2 draw in regulation time to book a place in the final of the WAFU B U-20 Championship.
Reflecting on his performance, the shot-stopper praised his coach for believing in his ability and revealed that the team had extensively prepared for the possibility of a penalty shootout during training.
"About the penalty, I will give kudos to my coach. He has belief in me," Lawani told Daga Shotz.
"We have been practicing it on the pitch during training, so he believes that I can do it.
"One thing about the knockout stage is that you have to be prepared. Normally, Ivory Coast is a strong team, so we had to prepare during training because the game could end up in a penalty shootout.
"Thanks to the players who scored. If they hadn't scored, the game would still have been on. Thanks to the players, and thanks to the management for giving me the opportunity."
Lawani also expressed confidence that the Flying Eagles would complete their impressive campaign by lifting the trophy, while urging Nigerians to continue supporting the team.
"They should keep supporting us and keep praying for us. In the final, we know that we are going to come home with the trophy," he added.
The Flying Eagles will now turn their attention to the final of the WAFU B U-20 Championship, where they will face Burkina Faso in a bid to successfully defend their title.
Burkina Faso secured the other final ticket by overcoming Niger in the second semi-final.
Adeyemi Adewale
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