Samuel: I knew I was going to score

Samuel

Guangzhou R&F striker Aaron Samuel has said that he was thrilled to find the back of the net in an African Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying fixture against Congo on Saturday.

The ex-Sarpsborg 08 man also shed light on the motivational talk from manager Stephen Keshi before he replaced Emmanuel Emenike in the 70th minute.

The 20-year-old curled in a shot in the 90th minute which was enough to secure all three points for the defending champions, with Ikechukwu Uche opening scoring from the penalty spot earlier.

”I knew I was going to score because I never doubted my qualities. I’m happy to score again. The coach (Stephen Keshi) had a talk with me before I entered the pitch. He advised me to be focused and help the team defensively and offensively. He told me to be relaxed and do what I know how to do best,” said Aaron Samuel to SL10.ng.

Calling a spade a spade, the youngster had been criticised by a section of the fans due to the fact that he’s playing in the Chinese Super League, but the doubting Thomases are now singing a different tune.

Samuel has dedicated his second international goal to everyone that believed in his abilities from the word go, and his mother, whom he has a special relationship with.

”I have dedicated this goal to my mother and to those who know me, who know what I can do,  and backed me from the beginning,” he concluded.

Aaron Samuel is Nigeria’s joint top scorer in AFCON qualifying alongside CSKA Moscow’s Ahmed Musa,who bagged a brace against Suddan last month.