2nd January, 2014
Nigeria’s coach, Stephen Keshi has declared that he will not promise soccer-loving Nigerians that he will win the 2014 Africa Nations Championship, CHAN, which kicks off on 11 January in South Africa.
The CHAN is a tournament designed by the Confederation of Africa Football, CAF, for home-based players on the continent and Nigeria’s Home Eagles, Super Eagles Team B, are making their debut in the tournament this year.
Speaking on Radio Nigeria’s Network News early today, the former Togo coach explained that any Nigerian who thinks Nigeria could win the trophy may be disappointed because his players need more time to play together as a team.
He disclosed that Nigerians should not compare the home-based Eagles with the Super Eagles that won the last Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa, adding that there is a great difference between the two teams
“Many soccer-loving Nigerians want us to win CHAN Cup which is a good thing. Of course, we want to go to South Africa to win CHAN Cup but at the same time Nigerians should not crucify the team if we fail to win the tournament,” he said.
Keshi also disclosed that Nigerians should not expect a miracle in South Africa, adding that he would try his best to psyche up the selected players to give their best in the tournament.
Meanwhile, scribe of the Nigeria Football Federation, Musa Ahmedu has explained why the body decided to fix an international friendly with Ethiopia on Saturday at the Abuja National Stadium.
Ahmedu said Ethiopia is one of the strong countries that qualified for CHAN and such friendly with the Walya Ibex will bring the best out of Home Eagles.
Director of competitions at the Ethiopia Football Federation, Tedla Dangnechew has confirmed that the Ethiopians will be playing against Nigeria on Saturday.
Tedla informed Brila F.M. that they are currently processing their entry visa into Nigeria, but confirmed they will arrive Abuja on Friday.
“Ethiopia is coming to play in Nigeria as I have the information regarding that, and we will arrive Abuja on Friday to play the friendly with Nigeria,” he said.
— Sunday Akintoye