2nd May, 2012
One of the five foreign-based players invited by Coach Stephen Keshi to prosecute the 23 May international friendly match between the Super Eagles and the national football team of Peru billed for Lima, Athletico Belaraes of Spain’s Raheem Lawal, is excited with the invitation extended to him.
Lawal caught the eyes of Keshi during last year’s 2012 Olympic qualifiers in Morocco, where he shone like million stars.
He disclosed this morning on Brilafm that though he may struggle with the timing of the friendly because he is involved in a playoff with his Spanish club, he will still do everything he can to feature in the game.
According to him, “I’m most grateful to Coach Keshi for this opportunity. I’m elated with this news. I have prayed and waited for this call-up and it’s now up to me to do Coach Keshi proud; he has spoken highly of me.
“I am confident that I will not disappoint. I have made up my mind to fight for a place in the Eagles and I have everything going for me to fit into the Eagles’ midfield”.
Keshi made good his intention to use a sprinkle of foreign- based players for the friendly as he also invited four other foreign based players.
Turkey-based striker, Ekigho Ehiosun, Gege Soriola, who plays for Free State Stars of South Africa, former U-23 national team skipper, Nwankwo Obiora of Parma in Italy, and Nnamdi Oduamadi of Torino FC of Italy.
The players are expected to report at the Eagles training camp, which opens on Sunday, 6 May in Abuja even as Keshi has reiterated that the home-based team will be unveiled in due course.
—Adebobola Alawode