Eagles Will Be Under Pressure Against Mambas-Chisano…Keshi Says Players Will Cope

Eagles Will Be Under Pressure Against Mambas-Chisano…Keshi Says Players Will Cope

Mambas of Mozambique Head Coach, Joao Chisano on Monday assessed the chances of the teams in group A of the ongoing African Nations Championship (CHAN), and came to the conclusion that Nigeria is the most pressured of all the teams, even as Nigerian Head Coach Stephen Okechukwu Keshi, says his boys can handle the pressure.

Chisano, whose team is sharing the same Garden Court De Waal hotel with the Eagles says he made the assertion because his team if beaten by the Eagles have nothing to lose but the reverse will be the case if Nigeria were to lose to his side. “The Eagles are the big brothers in Africa, the African champions and the Coach is the African Coach of the Year, we don’t have any of those accolades, so pressure is on Nigeria not Mozambique.

On likely qualifiers from the group, Chisano said even if his side were to be beaten on Wednesday, the Eagles still has an uphill task against Bafana Bafana on Sunday. “With their massive fans and the Vivuzelas, Nigeria will again be under pressure to perform as African Champions”.

The youthful coach said he will however not be surprised if his team was eliminated from the first round, because according to him the pitch in Cape Town is very poor and that accounted for his side’s 3-1 loss to the host in the opening match. He also said he’s looking to build a strong side in the future that his countrymen will be proud of.

On his part, Keshi said he has been talking to his players along with team psychologist, Robinson Okosun and other officials for the players to forget the past and concentrate on Wednesday’s game. “Gradually, they are getting off it but I must admit that only three players played well in the last game and that was why we lost, we expect eleven players to play well on Wednesday for us to get the result we want”. On Bafana Bafana game on Sunday, Keshi simply said, “we won’t talk about that game now, after the Wednesday game we can talk about that, for now the focus is on the Mambas game”.

Keshi: Eagles Will Bounce Back…Egwuekwe, Uzoenyi Rally Mates

Keshi: Eagles Will Bounce Back

…Egwuekwe, Uzoenyi Rally Mates

Super Eagles Head Coach, Stephen Okechukwu Keshi says he believes that his wards have received the baptism of fire in their Group A opening match against Mali on Saturday in Cape Town and will bounce back to ensure qualification for the next round of the tournament.

Speaking at the post match conference Saturday, Keshi admitted that the players were desperate not only to convince himself and the technical crew of their potentials but majority of Nigerians and the world that they could be part of the World Cup party. “The pressure was massive and I expected this type of happening but I am certain that they now know that they have to satisfy themselves and have confidence in themselves, because we have lost the opening game and we have to forget that and fight for qualification from the remaining two games.

He said most of the players were playing at the big stage for the first time and it showed in the manner they played, adding that he has been talking to them and he was sure that the result will show in the second game.

On why the team played better in the second half than the first, the reigning African Coach of The Year, said he simply told them during the interval to loosen up and enjoy their game instead of trying to impress the coach, the fans, the nation and even scouts. “The team will definitely get better”, Keshi assured after Mali’s shock 2-1 win over the Super Eagles on Saturday.

On the players’ part, defence Trojan, Azubuike Egwuekwe who held his own in the face of misfiring mates and winger Ejike Uzoenyi who was also impressive, said they have been talking to their teammates to wake up to the reality of playing at the big stage.

“We didn’t play well at all today and we all know it but we have decided that we will come back stronger and better. I plead with Nigerians to give us another opportunity, “ Egwuekwe said. Uzoenyi on his part said experience counted aplenty in the game against Mali but assured that all hopes are not lost. “We will be back and better in the next game” he said.

Full list of Nominees and Winners of the GLO CAF Awards 2013

Full list of Nominees and Winners of the GLO CAF Awards 2013

National Team Of The Year 2013:

Burkina Faso

Ethiopia

WINNER- Nigeria

Club Of The Year 2013

CS Sfaxien

WINNER- Al Ahly

Orlando Pirates

Fair Play Award 2013

Nigeria Supporters

Coach Of The Year

Manu Garba (Nigeria)

Paul Pulit (Burkina Faso)

WINNER – Stephen Keshi (Nigeria)

Most Promising Talent Award 2013

Ebeneze Assifu (Ghana)

WINNER-Kelechi Ihenacho (Nigeria)

Saleh Goma (Egypt)

GLO CAF Legends Award

Bruno Metsu

Jose Mehdi Faria

Referee Of The Year 2013

Alioum Neant

WINNER – Haimoudi Djamel

Papa Bakary Gassam

Youth Team Of The Year 2013

Nigeria U-17

Glo Africa Player Of The Year (Home Based)

Sunday Mba

Winner a Mohammed Aboutrika

Ahmed Fathi

#GLOCAFAWARD2013 Africa Team 11: Enyeama Fathy Kevin Faria Mikel Toure Aboutreika Pitirova Emenike Aubameyamg Gyan (Coach: Stephen Keshi)
CAF Platinum Award : Goodluck Ebele Jonathan
Africa Player Of The Year : Yaya Toure

Eagles Arrive Cape Town In High Spirit…Envoy Charges Team…Nigerian Troupe Welcomes Team

Eagles Arrive Cape Town In High Spirit…Envoy Charges Team…Nigerian Troupe Welcomes Team

The Super Eagles arrived South Africa on Wednesday morning to begin quest for honours in its maiden appearance at the African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2014, specially designed for players who ply their trade across leagues in Africa.

The team led by Assistant Coach, Dan ‘the Bull’ Amokachi, who is holding forte for Stephen Keshi, who has stayed back in Nigeria for this weekend’s Glo-CAF Awards before joining the team, left the Murtala Mohammed Airport in Lagos on Tuesday night at about 10:30pm. After five and half hours flight with a South Africa Airways plane, the team arrived Johannesburg at 4:30 Nigerian time, which is 5:30 in South Africa.

The team was received by a team of Nigerian Embassy officials led by Ambassador Sunday S Yusuf, who expressed delight at the safe arrival and ensured that the team had a smooth passage through immigration procedure. The envoy also charged the team to ensure that they win the trophy at the first try. “Nigerians are now used to winning, especially here in South Africa and I’m sure you will not let the nation down”, he said. Amokachi assured that the team will do its best at the tourney, even as Keshi is being expected on time before the Eagles opening game against Mali.

After a little wait at the OR Thambo International Airport, the team connected another SAA flight to Cape Town where it will play its preliminary matches. On arrival the team was received by about 30 cheering and drumming Nigerians under the aegis ‘Nigerian Union in Western Cape’. The group was led by Kalu Obi.

From there the team whose Team Administrator, Dayo Enebi Achor, was already on ground was taken effortlessly to its abode at Garden Court De Waal, a quiet suburb of the city. The team has since settled down and will have its first training session tonight at 8:30pm local time, which is 7:30 Nigerian time.

Garden Court De Waal

These Eagles Will Go Places, Says Keshi… Maigari, Bako Hail Team

These Eagles Will Go Places, Says Keshi… Maigari, Bako Hail Team

Major football stakeholders in the country were at the Abuja National Stadium on Saturday, when the Super Eagles took on the Walya Antelopes of Ethiopia in a CHAN pre-tournament tune-up. The game ended 2-1 in favour of Nigeria.

Among them was the Minister of Sports and Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Hon Bolaji Abdulahi, the NSC Director General, Hon Gbenga Elegbeleye, NFF President Alhaji Aminu Maigari, former NFA Chairman, Col Abdulmumuni Aminu, NFF Technical Committee Chairman. Barr Christopher Green, Dr Emmanuel Ikpeme, who heads the secretariat department of the technical committee, NFF Scribe Barr Musa Amadu and indeed all executive committee members of the federation.

It was a fitting test for the Super Eagles, who are first time qualifiers for the African Nations Tournament that starts next week in South Africa.

After an impressive and dominant first half, which saw the Eagles score through impressive hitman Ifeanyi Ede in the fifth minute and Ugonna Uzochukwu in the 26th minute it looked like the Nigerian national team will have a game full of goals but misses were too many and that gave the Ethiopians room to come back in the second half and score against Nigeria.

From an outsider’s point of view, Ikenna Paul was outstanding as his two long throws resulted in Nigeria’s two goals. Azubuike Egwuekwe was obviously the Nigerian man of the match, goalkeeper and skipper, Chigozie Agbim, looked shaky atimes in goal, Abubakar Aliu was very hardworking but wasteful in front of goal and Kwambe Solomon needs to justify the tag of ‘Cafu’ the Brazilian legend that many now refer him to. Ebenezer Odunlami was a delight in the centre back, Shehu Abdulahi was good in the middle of the pack when he came on in the second half through dangerman Asrat Megersa.

All others, especially the substitutes need to work on their game and Head Coach Stephen Keshi knows so. Speaking moments after the match, Keshi says he believes in the team he has been able to work with under three weeks. “Three weeks is too short to raise a national team but for me the scoreline does not matter because we are getting the results we want from the players, they will sure go places”.

NFF President Aminu Maigari towed a similar line, declaring that sooner than later the Nigerian league will form the fulcrum of the future Super Eagles. Maigari spoke through NFF Technical Committee Chairman, Barr Chris Green, who also praised the job that Keshi is doing with the home based squad.

On his part former National Broadcasting Commission Chairman and an avid football follower, Mallam Danladi Bako declared that finally Nigeria is getting it right in football politically and technically. “I told a few friends on the executive committee that all they need to do is to be patriotism, dedication and the results will come for Nigeria. Barr Green will bear me out, today we are seeing the results but we must not rest on our oarse”.

Mikel Glo CAF Win Will Boost Eagles’

‘Mikel Glo CAF Win Will Boost Eagles’

Super Eagles boss, Stephen Okechukwu Keshi and his Ethiopian counterpart, Sewnet Bishaw believe that it’s about time Nigeria returns to the summit of African football with one of their players winning the coveted African Player of the Year Award. The awards are scheduled for Lagos, Nigeria next week.

Bishaw who spoke first also expressed his love for the Abuja National Stadium and wished it was in his native Ethiopia. “Nigeria was obviously the best football nation in Africa last year and I won’t be surprised if a player from the country emerges the player of the year. They deserve to get the award. I also wish this beautiful stadium is somewhere in Addis Ababa”, he said smiling.

Keshi on his part said it has been a very long time since a Nigerian won the African Footballer of the Year Crown and he is rooting for John Mikel Obi to emerge the best among the pack. “It will boost the team and Mikel and all Nigerians because it has been a long time since we last won the award and I know we deserve to win this year”, he said.

On whether he will be happy to be named the African Coach of the Year, Keshi said he will play the wait and see game but added that it will be a great honour to be so named. Keshi who is primed for the award and may not depart with the national team to South Africa on Tuesday evening is favoured to bag the prestigious Coach of the Year Award.

New-look Eagles File Out Against Ethiopia …Keshi Instills Confidence …Team Physio Seeks Birthday Gift

New-look Eagles File Out Against Ethiopia…Keshi Instills Confidence

…Team Physio Seeks Birthday Gift

It will be a totally new team today as the home-based national team files out against Wyalai Antelopes of Ethiopia in a friendly aimed at tuning up both sides for the CHAN 2014 Africa Nations Tourney, which starts January 11 in South Africa.

With the exit of most players hitherto part of the squad, Big Boss Stephen Okechukwu Keshi will have to rely on new recruits whom he said he has absolute belief in to deliver the goods at the CHAN tourney, with the Ethiopian friendly a good test. “We have talents all over the country but we don’t have time enough to groom them but I’m sure that the ones that we have chosen will give a good account of themselves in South Africa”, Keshi said on Wednesday.

He added that naturally the players are gifted but only need a little bit of self confidence while on the pitch. “That we have been trying to do, so that when we come out fighting everything is possible and nothing will be impossible, the results we are getting are quite positive”, he said.

With the exit of the likes of Godfrey Oboabona, Sunday Mba, Gabriel Reuben, Papa Idris, Juwon Oshaniwa and many others who started the battle with the national team as home based stars two years ago, Keshi has been forced to rely on new stars on the bloc and he insists they will not disappoint even as he quickly points out that the trophy should not be given to the Eagles just yet because of lack of experience.

Similarly team Physiotherapist, Adewale Oladejo, whose birthday falls on January 4, the same day the Eagles will tackle Ethiopia has pleaded with the team to help him with a befitting birthday gift by defeating Ethiopia on Saturday. ” I’m happy that the players are healthy and well but I also want to beg them to help and win the game even if it’s a friendly against Ethiopia so that I can have a super birthday celebration after the game”, he said on the eve of the game.

Eagles Probables: Chigozie Agbim (CAPT), Solomon Kwambe, Benjamin Francis, Azubuike Egwuekwe, Ebenezer Odunlami, Ugonna Ozochukwu, Ikechukwu Paul, Rabiu Aliu, Abubakar Ali, Gbolahan Salami, Ejike Uzoenyi

Adedeji, Gambo Rue CHAN Cup Miss…Others Vow To Fight On….Keshi Preaches Consistency…Eagles Groove Into…Maigari Gets Best African FA President Award…Eagles Back Kick-out Malaria Campaign… 2014 At Bolton

Adedeji, Gambo Rue CHAN Cup Miss…Others Vow To Fight On….Keshi Preaches Consistency

Super Eagles Head Coach, Stephen Okechukwu Keshi confessed on Tuesday morning that it has become very difficult for him to drop any of the players in camp, as all of them deserved to be in South Africa for the CHAN tourney which kicks off January 11, but situation compelled him to do so.

Among those who were released were top striker Gambo Mohammed and star left back, Adeyinka Adedeji and the two players said when they were departing camp that they believe that their miss is an act of God and they will sooner than later be back in the national team scheme of things.

Adedeji, who spoke first said he has missed several important engagements due to sudden injuries but that will never deter him from aspiring to be one of the best left backs in the world. “It’s sad that I have to drop out due to injury but am happy that I never allowed the past to duel in my heart and soon I will return. I thank Coach Stephen Keshi and other members of the technical crew for giving me this opportunity and I assure that when next I am called I won’t fail the team and the nation.

On his part, Gambo who has been out for close to two weeks due to a hamstring problem said it was simply an act of God. “These things do happen and I take it in good faith and I will soon be back. I wish my teammates the best of luck in CHAN”, the Kano Pillars forward declared.

Another star, Ikechukwu ‘Small’ Azubuike, who was very impressive but also suffered the chop of the technical crew said he has had a big learning process with the team and he will be back and better in the coming months. Mfom Udoh, Pius Abdulahi, and Eaglets’ Taiwo Awoniyi also took their release in good faith, promising that when next they get a call up they will be more than ready to displace contenders for their position.

Keshi has meanwhile told the released players and those who made the list for CHAN to remain consistent and pray for their teammates as that will form the basis for their future invitation to the national team. “We must pray for our brothers who made it because tomorrow it will be our turn but most importantly we must be discipline and play consistently for our various club sides”, he said.

Maigari Gets Best African FA President Award…Eagles Back Kick-out Malaria Campaign

The deluge of awards for Nigerian football players and administrators in recent months continued on Tuesday when Global Dream Foundation in concert with Ubachukwu Nnanna Foundation and the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Youth And Students’ Matters declared, NFF President Alhaji Aminu Maigari, as the best federation President in Africa for the year 2013.

The impressive but brief ceremony was held at the Super Eagles camp in Bolton White Apartment, with CHAN Eagles skipper, Chigozie Agbim, Azubuike Egwuekwe, Daniel Akpeyi, Solomon Kwambe, Ejike Uzoenyi and Shehu Abdulahi all present.

National Team Coordinator, Emmanuel Danjumah Attah, was on hand to receive the award on behalf of Maigari, while team Psychologist, Dr Robinson Okosun received the special award bestowed on the NFF by the tripartite body which has been battling the malaria scourge in Africa.

Speaking at the occasion, Queen Esther Kanu, who is the face of the battle against malaria scourge in Nigeria said Maigari, the NFF Executive Committee and indeed all officials of football teams in the country deserve a pat on the back in the outgoing year for their consistency and the results that the teams have churned out in the course of last year. “Indeed, our football at all levels has witnessed tremendous growth and the players and Alhaji Maigari have become role models to Nigerian youths who in the last few years have sought in vain people that they can to look up to”

Other representatives, Uzor Nnachukwu and Sam Ekeh spoke in a similar vein and wished that the national team will do Nigeria further pride and good by winning the forthcoming African Nations Tourney known as CHAN in South Africa.

In his remarks Project Coordinator, Benjamin Larbi, said he believes strongly that the Eagles will again win the CHAN tourney in South Africa, adding that the team’s consistency have been very impressive. He said the Eagles support for the kick-out malaria campaign has saved several lives in Nigerian and Africa and assured that the organization will never relent in the drive to make Africa malaria free.

Maigari through Attah, said the award will help to ginger him to greater heights in the New Year and called on Nigerians from all works of life to support the national team and the fight against malaria elimination in the country and Africa.

Eagles Groove Into 2014 At Bolton

Officials and players of the national team on New Year eve had a rare time off their tight and Spartan schedule as they were treated to a Cross-Over party by the management of Bolton White Apartment in Abuja, where the team is camped.

All the players and officials led by Stephen Okechukwu Keshi, ate and danced into the New Year with comedians and other invited dancers adding groove to the event. The compere for the show Christian Doherty kept ribs cracking for the entire duration of the night as Eagles goalkeeper, Daniel Akpeyi prayed the team into the New Year with his prophetic comments and very distinct English accent.

Keshi thanked the management of the hotel for the occasion and told players that training resumes immediately on Thursday morning because of the CHAN task at hand. Team Coordinator, Emmanuel Attah, praised the discipline that has enveloped the team since Keshi took over and said it will continue with the triumph at CHAN 2014.

Manager Special Duties of Bolton White, Chika Udeochi aka ‘Special’, whose dexterity led to the successful organization of the event along side Apartment Manager Vivian Nwosu said the event was organized to help the national team unwind ahead of the CHAN tourney after daily rigorous training sessions. “Bolton is a wonderful and lucky place for the Super Eagles and I can beat my chest to say when next we will be sitting down like this it will be to celebrate the CHAN trophy win”, she said.

Photo Caption: Robinson Okosun, Queen Kanu and Emmanuel Attah display the awards won by NFF President Aminu Maigari

Eagles, Pillars In Exciting Score Draw …Keshi, Abdulmakabi Happy…Amokachi Marks Subdued Birthday

Eagles, Pillars In Exciting Score Draw

…Keshi, Abdulmakabi Happy

Nigeria’s Super Eagles had perhaps their best test on Monday morning since camp opened three weeks ago, when they played out a 2-2 draw against back to back Nigerian Premier League champions, Kano Pillars of Kano.

The game which was played at the mainbowl of the Abuja National Stadium, attracted quite a few fans including NFF Director of Competitions, Dr Mohammed Sanusi, Pillars Management Committee boss, Dr Abba Yola and the national women’s U20 team known as the Falconets, complete with their technical crew and staff at the stadium.

The Eagles technical crew opted to start with the best possible squad available as Chigozie Agbim, Solomon Kwambe, Ebenezer Odunlami, Azubuike Egwuekwe, Ikenna Paul, Ugonna Izuchukwu, Benjamin Francis, Rabiu Ali, Abubakar Ali, Uzoenyi Ejike and Ifeanyi Ede all started.

With just five minutes on the clock, the Eagles forced a free kick after Uzoenyi was harshly brought down close to the vital area. He opted to take the kick himself and his deft left foot found the head of towering Egwuekwe, whose header was helped into the net by Abubakar Ali. Many thought it was going to be a goals feast for the Eagles but how wrong they were.

The league champions with Chief Coach, Abdulahi Abdulmakabi dishing out instructions regrouped quickly and five minutes later forced a penalty when their raid on the Eagles vital area was adjudged to have been palmed by one of the defenders. The resultant penalty was neatly tucked in by Bello Kofamata, who turned out to be the hatchet man for the league champions.

As the Eagles were thinking of a positive reaction, it was Kofamata, who struck again in the 21st minute when a quick throw from keeper, Joseph Ewuga found Saliu Nura who outran the Eagles defence to find Kofamata, who was too delighted to hit home. The Eagles reacted almost immediately when Rabiu Aliu and Abubakar Ali’s fierce challenge fell to the chest of Aliu who riffled home sweetly in the 40thminute. It was to be the final goal of an exciting encounter.

The second half inclusion of Christian Pyagbara, Barnabas Imenger, Ikechukwu Azubuike, Ejiro Etebor, Bright Esieme, Aliyu Obaje and goalkeeper Dele Alampasu brought sparkle but no goal. The game thus ended 2-2 , with Eagles Head Coach Stephen Keshi declaring that he was happy with what he saw of his boys.

Abdulamakabi, the Pillars’ handler declared that it was a testy duel and his players whom he said know all the Eagles stars gave their all. He added that the Eagles will go far at the CHAN tourney in South Africa.

Amokachi Marks Subdued Birthday

It was also a sort of celebration day for the Super Eagles of Nigeria, as Assistant Coach, Daniel ‘The Bull’ Amokachi added another year on Monday morning. The power playing forward in his hey days said he was not in the mood for celebration, even as he declared that God has been wonderful to him.

In the morning match against Kano Pillars, he stayed coy over the development until Team Administrator Dayo Enebi Achor, with the connivance of Media Officer Ben Alaiya, hinted Head Coach Stephen Keshi that his assistant was a birthday boy. Amokachi smiled away and acknowledged the fact but declared that having celebrated his 40th birthday in grand style he will wait for another milestone to celebrate.

“I must say I give thanks to Almighty God for always being there for me. He has blessed not only me but my family and even the team we work for, what more can one ask for except to thank Him and ask for long life and more prosperity. Honestly, God has been very good to me and I can’t ask for more from Him. I just want Nigerians to help me praise God on my birthday”, he said on Monday evening.

CHAN: Mba Doubtful, As Three Exit Eagles Camp…Medics Assure On Gambo

CHAN: Mba Doubtful, As Three Exit Eagles Camp…Medics Assure On Gambo

Super Eagles 2013 Nations Cup hero, Sunday Mba, who is one of the players being relied upon to pull the strings at the forthcoming CHAN African Nations tournament, may after all not be available for the tournament, according to Head Coach Stephen Okechukwu Keshi.

Keshi, said on Thursday, that Mba, was on his way to France to join Bastia, the French side that first indicated interest in the player after the Nations Cup triumph. Assistant Coach, Dan ‘the Bull’ Amokachi was to add that the player could leave camp as early as Friday, as he was not one of the players listed for the friendly game in Port Harcourt on Saturday against a Rivers selected side.

“We have resigned ourselves to fate and working hard to discover those who can fill Mba’s shoes, as he seems to have nicked a deal with Bastia and may not be part of CHAN tourney. We just to brace up and wish him the best because it’s a career thing” he said.

Also on Thursday, the weeding process of the CHAN Eagles continued with three players exiting camp. Keshi who addressed the players once again told them that they have all it takes to play for the national team but there was not time enough to fit into the system and he would continue to monitor them for future call ups. “Take heart because as I always say, many are called but few are chosen, we would soon be back knocking on your doors.

Those who left camp on Thursday were Sunshine Stars Kingsley Onome Eduwo, Bendel Insurance’s Bello John Ikeleji and Eric Kwame of Plateau United. More players are expected to exit the camp of the national team after the training game in Port Harcourt and Monday’s other practice match against Nigerian league champions, Kano Pillars.

Meanwhile, the Super Eagles medical team has assured the technical crew that Kano Pillars, Gambo Mohammed will be ready on time for the CHAN tourney. Gambo has been out with a harm-string problem, recovered last week but there was a relapse in the course of the week which forced him out of Thursday’s morning training. “He should be back and better”, Amokachi assured of the highly regarded striker.

Taraba Keeper Gets Eagles Invite …Team Set For Pillars’ Test

Taraba Keeper Gets Eagles Invite …Team Set For Pillars’ Test

As the Super Eagles technical crew continue to juggle with players in camp ahead of the CHAN 2014 African Nations Tourney in South Africa, newly recruited Taraba United goalkeeper, Ibrahim Pius has earned himself a call up to battle for a short alongside the three goalkeepers still in camp.

Skipper, Chigozie Agbim, Daniel Akpeyi of Heartland and Golden Eaglets’ Dele Alampasu are the three keepers currently fighting for shirts ahead of the CHAN tourney. Pius, was recently signed from Rangers International of Enugu by Taraba United ahead of the new football season.

Meanwhile, the Super Eagles will this Friday tackle reigning Nigerian league champions, Kano Pillars of Kano in one of its last practice match before the CHAN tourney. The match has been scheduled for the mainbowl of the Abuja National Stadium on Friday morning. The Pillars’ game is expected to be the toughest for the national team which have so far played three practice games.

In the first game the Eagles defeated newly promoted NNL side, Prisons FC of Abuja 4-1, won 2-0 against Niger Tornadoes of Minna in the second and at the weekend, Plateau United were beaten 2-0. Assistant Coach, Dan ‘The Bull’ Amokachi, said the continued invitation of players and playing of practice matches will enable the coaches come up with a team that will do Nigeria proud at the CHAN tourney.

Keshi Picks Four New Players For CHAN Camp …Two Axed, More To Go Weekend… Nsofor Storms Eagles Training …Backs Team For CHAN Honours

Keshi Picks Four New Players For CHAN Camp

…Two Axed, More To Go Weekend

The national team technical crew has began the gradual process of elimination by substitution when on Tuesday afternoon, two players were asked to go for low productivity while four new ones were called up to strengthen the squad ahead of the CHAN tourney in South Africa next month.

The two players dropped are midfielder Mohammed Ajia of Bayelsa United and Elkanemi of Borno defender, Reuben Ogbonnaya. Head Coach Stephen Keshi, who spoke through his assistant, Dan ‘The Bull’ Amokachi, said there was little or no time to prepare the squad hence the need to quickly identify tournament materials.

The four players who are expected to join the squad in Abuja immediately are the Bendel Insurance duo of Obannu Erhune, who stars for the Benin side in the central defence position and his teammate, Ikeleji Bello, who is central defensive midfielder. Others are Warri Wolves Ewenike Achibi also a midfielder and Mfon Udoh who recently crossed from Akwa United to Enyimba fc of Aba. “We have been tracking these players for some times now and we want to give them a chance to prove themselves at a critical point like this and we hope they won’t disappoint”, Amokachi declared.

Indications have also emerged that more players who fail to measure up will be asked to go by the weekend after Wednesday’s test match against Niger Tornadoes of Minna and another practice match that has been scheduled for Saturday both at the mainbowl of the Abuja National Stadium.

Nsofor Storms Eagles Training

…Backs Team For CHAN Honours

Locomotov of Moscow striker, Victor Obinna Nsofor, was guest of the CHAN Super Eagles at Tuesday morning training, during which he told all and sundry that he came not only to support the team but to boost their belief of winning the CHAN trophy at a first attempt.

Nsofor, who said he came into the country last week says he has been keeping fit daily at the Abuja National Stadium and decided to drop by to encourage his teammates ahead of CHAN. He also declared that he was now 100 per cent fit after he copped an injury in Nigeria’s last World Cup qualifier win against Ethiopia in Calabar. Nsofor was the scorer of Nigeria’s second goal in the 2-0 win.

“Coach I’m fit and well and have been training with my club before we went on the winter break”, he told a smiling Stephen Keshi, who congratulated him over his quick recovery and wished him well in his career . Nsofor is one of the players expected to kick-start Nigeria’s preparation for the World Cup when the team reconvenes after the CHAN tourney in South Africa.

PHOTO CAPTION: Keshi and Nsofor in a warm hug on Tuesday during Eagles training session at the Abuja National Stadium