African Cup Of Nations: Nsofor Rues Nations Cup Snub

•Nsofor in action during a previous match for Nigeria

•Nsofor in action during a previous match for Nigeria

One time Super Eagles striker, Obinna Nsofor has expressed disappointment over his exclusion from the team that will play at the 2013 African Cup of Nations.

Nsofor who was an integral part of the team when Samson Siasia was in charge, said he is not happy that he will not be part of the team that will represent Nigeria at the Nations Cup.

•Nsofor in action during a previous match for Nigeria

“I must confess that I am disappointed that I am not going to South Africa with the team. It would have been my wish to go to South Africa and see how we can win the trophy for the third time.

“I was part of the team that played the last game against Guinea before the last Cup of Nations and the memories of missing out right at the National Stadium in Abuja are still fresh in my mind.

“I scored the first goal in that game but we did not qualify for the tournament in Equatorial Guinea and Gabon.”

The Locomotiv Moscow player revealed that he was itching to return to the team, but has not been able to play under coach Stephen Keshi.

“Yes I am still waiting for my chance to play under the new coach. And I know the opportunity will soon come for me.

“It is going to be one step at a time. But I am confident that the present crop of players are capable of doing the nation proud in South Africa.

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“There is this urge to show Africans that the fact that we did not qualify for the last edition is not a reason why any country should underrate Nigeria.

“Coach Stephen Keshi has done well and the team can go ahead to win the trophy in South Africa,” said Nsofor.

Meanwhile, Kano Pillars defender Idris and Henry Uche of Enyimba have been rewarded for their form in training in Abuja even after they were left out of a 32-man provisional squad.

“Papa Idris and Henry Uche will be in the party to Portugal. In these past days, they have shown great quality and discipline to earn a place in the team,” Keshi said.

However, Heartland defender Chibuzor Okonkwo will no longer be in Portugal as he does not have an entry visa to Europe.

“Chibuzor Okonkwo may not make the trip because he does not have a visa and it would take two weeks for him to get visa, by then we would have concluded our preparations,” the Eagles handler added.

The Eagles are due to fly out to Portugal today.

The squad of mainly players from the Nigeria Premier League will be joined by at least a dozen other players from Europe in time for 2 January warm-up tie against Catalonia in Spain.

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