15th November, 2012
ADEBOBOLA ALAWODE
All things being equal, the Super Eagles are expected to start preparations for the South Africa 2013 Nations Cup when the camp opens 17 December in Faro, Portugal.
Head Coach of the team, Stephen Keshi disclosed that the Home-based players are expected to hit camp on 17 December, while their foreign based counterparts are to join latest 4 January, 2012.
The former Hawks of Togo coach disclosed this evening that he hopes to commence preparation for the Nations Cup in good time stating that he believes hitting the ground running would help the team’s quest.
According to him “We need to work together for at least two weeks and after that we should have a strong squad that can challenge any team in the world that is why we want everybody in camp by 4 January at the latest”
He spoke on the performance of two debutants, for the Eagles, Oluwanishola Ameobi and Bright Ejike in Thursday’s early morning international friendly match against Venezuela, in Miami, Florida, USA.
“Shola was awesome the moment he got into the pitch. He showed his experience in the game and even when he was provoked, his calmness was amazing. He was talking to the other players on what to do at a time we were under pressure and he was resilient. We sure need his experience for big tournaments. Look at the way and manner he shielded the ball, evaded being brought down before passing to Mba, who also gave it to Onazi for our third goal, Shola is a special player”.
He also sang the praises of Ejike: “He’s quick, aggressive and always coming back to defend and it was difficult for anyone to say this was the first time he was playing for Nigeria. I’m so happy that Bright did not disappoint and we will see when camp opens what he can do for the team”.