Nigeria vs Rwanda: Eagles Battle For Shirts

The battle for who gets the starting shirts to play against Rwanda in Saturday’s 2013 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in Calabar is hotting up in the Super Eagles’ camp.

P.M.Sports gathered that Chief Coach, Stephen Keshi, has made up his mind to effect some changes in the Eagles’ line-up against the Amavubi of Rwanda in Saturday’s match as a result of the disappointing outing of his team in the last two competitive matches Nigeria played against Namibia and Malawi in the 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifying series.

Media Officer of the Eagles, Ben Alaiya, said the training the players had at the Abraham Ordia Stadium in the University of Calabar yesterday indicated that each player is working towards impressing Keshi to put him in his programme for the must-win encounter, which will determine Nigeria’s fate in the race to the 2013 Nations Cup in South Africa.

“There was seriousness in training yesterday especially when the players were told that there will likely be changes in the line-up against Rwanda on Saturday. None of the players know the yardstick which Keshi will use to select his team, as he has kept the team guessing,” said Alaiya. He, however, revealed that at least 25 players are at their Transcorp Metropolitan Hotel, Calabar, as at this morning.

Meanwhile, some of the former Green Eagles players that featured in the memorial match held to commemorate the June 12 anniversary at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos, have given their backing to the Eagles’ coach.

Former defender, Yisa Sofoluwe, said: “I’m impressed with the way Keshi has been handling the team since he was appointed the head coach. He makes me remember what we used to have during the time of Clemens Westerhof, where current form is what matter and not the name of the player.”

—Taiwo Adelu & Bamidele Olowosagba