Super Eagles have vowed to defend Africa’s pride in the round of 16 of the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil.

Despite losing 3-2 to Argentina in Porto Allegre on Wednesday, the African champions still secured their passage to the second round of the 32-nation tournament.

The last time Eagles reached the second round of the World Cup was in France ’98, where they lost to Denmark.

But speaking ahead of their next match on June 30, Coach Stephen Keshi said that Eagles will defend the pride of Africa with all that they have.

“We are not only here representing Nigeria but the continent of Africa. We are African champions and feel that we have a collective responsibility to not only play for our country but also the continent. Africa will be looking up to us to do them proud and we on our part are committed to do what will make people of the continent feel proud”, said Keshi.

Also speaking, captain Joseph Yobo who became the first Nigerian to play for the senior national team for 100 times, pledged that the Eagles will not let their heads drop now that they have reached the knockout stage of the tournament.

“We have reached the last 16, which was our first target. Now the real business has started and we will not drop our heads now. We will forge ahead to ensure that our continent gets the best representation out here in Brazil”, said the Norwich defender.

(VANGUARD)