Nigeria coach Stephen Keshi has praised his team’s character and fighting spirit after they staged a stirring comeback against Morocco to reach the semi-final of CHAN.

Nigeria fell 3-0 behind after the first half only to fight back and draw level 3-3 in the second half before they grabbed the winner in extra time.

“It was tough but we used our strength and character to do damage in the second half against Morocco,” said Keshi.

“I salute the boys for fighting back, they should work hard to get to the final.

“I told them at half time that we were giving Morocco too much respect and we needed to be ourselves and play better, like we did against Bafana Bafana.

“Morocco are good when they have the ball, but not good when they do not have the ball.”

Keshi was also involved in another sensational comeback when his previous team Mali fought back from four goals down to hold hosts Angola to a 4-4 draw at the 2010 Africa Cup of Nations.

Skipper Chigozie Agbim said their sights remain fixed on the trophy on February 1.

“We played against a good Moroccan team, who had the first half, while we had the second half and God gave us the victory,” said the Enugu Rangers shot stopper.

“We now hope to go on and reach the final and get the trophy after we have qualified for the semi-final.”

Ejike Uzoenyi, who scored his third goal of the tournament against Morocco, was also voted the Man of the match for the third time.

On Wednesday, Nigeria will now face the winners of the quarterfinal between Ghana and DR Congo, which will be played on Sunday.

•Credit (except headline): Photo shows the Super Eagles celebrating the equaliser with Ejike Uzoenyi . . . last night at Cape Town Stadium, South Africa.

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