Even in defeat, Didier Tebily Yves Drogba was graceful. Despite swallowing the bitter pill of defeat that has dented his beautiful career without a Nations Cup trophy, the Ivorian has sent a passionate plea to the Super Eagles
"Please, win the Nations Cup for us", he pleaded as he hugged Stephen Keshi and his former teammate Mikel Obi after the 2-1 defeat in the quarter final match at Rustenberg.
Drogba's army of super stars were tipped by all and sundry to win the match against a relatively young and inexperienced Super Eagles. The Eagles stepped up their game and were immaculate in their form, attack, defence and discipline. They stung Cote d'Ivoire and have made their critics to swallow their words.
"Your team was beautiful", Drogba told Keshi as he hugged him. "If you beat us and don't win the trophy, it will be a slight to us. But if you win the trophy, it will be a thing of joy and justification that you are the best in the tournament", Drogba told Keshi who praised him for his maturity and high display of professionalism.
Ex-international, Peterside Idah who witnessed the emotional embrace and discussion said that he was touched by Drogba's professionalism.
"It was an emotional meeting and I was very proud of the Super Eagles. We should learn to appreciate our own.
Honestly, it is a shame that many Nigerians do not appreciate the Eagles. Here in South Africa, we are proud of Eagles and the whole of South Africa love and appreciate the Eagles.
The South Africans lost but they still love their Bafana Bafana", the former goalkeeper-turned analyst and Pastor said as many people hugged him and congratulated him.
