Abuja (Nigeria), Oct 14 (IANS): Head coach of Nigeria's Super Eagles Stephen Keshi Monday commended his team for soaring higher than Ethiopia in a 2014 World Cup qualifying match played in Addis Ababa Sunday.

Keshi said the team deserves a pat on the back for the 2-1 victory over the Ethiopian side, while noting the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) also deserved a commendation for its commitment to the game's development in Nigeria, especially since he took over as coach late 2011, reports Xinhua.

"It was a tough game because the Ethiopians are really good football players and they are athletic too, but I am glad we won because it makes the second leg a lot easier," the coach said.

According to the Nigerian coach, his team won the match due to experience and quality of the players.

"The match was a good game and we must also praise the resilience of the Ethiopians," he added.

Both teams will be due for a second leg tie of the World Cup qualifier in Calabar, capital of southern Nigeria's Cross River State, Nov 16.