'Nigeria Have Made It To The Finals' - How Chelsea, Arsenal, Stoke City Reacted To Eagles AFCON Qualification

Three English clubs reserved special praise for their players after they helped the Super Eagles secure qualification for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations.

Chelsea, Arsenal and Stoke City monitored Nigeria's 1-1 draw with South Africa at the FNB Stadium because Kenneth Omeruo, Alex Iwobi and Oghenekaro Etebo were on international duty ahead of their next fixtures in the league.

Another Chelsea loanee Ola Aina was omitted from the match day squad and ex-Arsenal U23 captain Semi Ajayi earned his third cap off the bench as a late replacement for Iwobi.

''It was a better Saturday for Kenneth Omeruo and Nigeria who secured their place in next year’s Africa Cup of Nations tournament with a 1-1 draw away to South Africa,'' Chelsea wrote on their official website.

''The defender, who is currently on loan in Spain at Leganes, and his international team-mates went ahead with the aid of an early own-goal. The home side drew level in Johannesburg midway through the first half.

''Nigeria have made it to the finals, which will be held in Cameroon in June and July, with a game to spare''.

One of the most supported clubs in Nigeria, Arsenal lauded their number 17 for his performance against Bafana Bafana, tweeting : ''Joy for @AlexIwobi! 😄🇳🇬 #BIG17 played 90 minutes as Nigeria claimed a 1-1 draw in South Africa in order to seal qualification for AFCON 2019 👏

''Congratulations to our #NaijaBoy and the @NGSuperEagles 🇳🇬''.

Number eight for club and country, Etebo was picked as one of the best players on parade for the Super Eagles by Championship side Stoke City.

The Potters wrote on their official webpage : "Peter Etebo played the full 90 minutes as Nigeria guaranteed themselves a spot at the Africa Cup of Nations finals on Saturday afternoon.

''The Potters ace impressed in the heart of midfield as the Super Eagles earned the point they needed in South Africa to secure qualification from Group E....''

Ifeanyi Emmanuel