Keshi pays tribute to Madiba

Johannesburg - Nigeria coach Stephen Keshi paid tribute to Madiba following his team's 2-0 victory over South Africa in the Nelson Mandela Challenge on Wednesday.

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According to the Soccer-Laduma website, the African champions prevailed via Uche Nwafor's second-half double at Durban's Moses Mabhida Stadium.

Keshi said afterwards: "It is important to honour Nelson Mandela. Madiba did great things for the continent and South Africa. So we have done this 100 percent for him."

Regarding the contest, Keshi said: "Bafana are a good side with a lot of potential in the team. We came out and we wanted the result to make our nation proud and make ourselves proud. I am proud of the kids, especially in the second half."

He added of Shola Ameobi's first start for the Super Eagles: "We have not seen Ameobi, so we gave him the opportunity to play, and feel African football. He did well."

Ameobi, of Newcastle United, was replaced at the interval by match-winner Nwafor.