28th May, 2014
Adebobola Alawode
Chief Coach of the Super Eagles of Nigeria, Stephen Keshi, has said that Wednesday night’s international friendly tie against Scotland is a big test for the players.
The Super Eagles will face the Tartan Army at Craven Cottage as part of their build-up for the 2014 FIFA World Cup finals in Brazil. Media Officer of the Eagles, Ben Alaiya, Alaiya said that Keshi sounded it to the players that the friendly will afford him the opportunity of testing the form of some the fringe players in the team.
Keshi had come under serious criticism for inviting some players in his 30-man provisional list that are bench-warmers for their respective club sides, but Alaiya was quick to add that the friendly match is a must win as players who perform abysmally may be shown the team’s exit door.
Alaiya stated further that the players in camp know the importance of tonight’s game and their chances of being on the flight to Brazil.
Alaiya assured that there is no injury worries as all the players are ready and have assured the technical crew that they want to make the final 23-man list that will be submitted to FIFA.
On the news that the friendly match is being investigated for possible match-fixing, Alaiya said: ‘‘There is no iota of truth that tonight’s match is being investigated, the match is going as planned, I want Nigerians to disregard the news.’’
Meanwhile returnee Eagle and out-of-favour and Stoke City of England striker, Osaze Odemwingie is drumming up support ahead the game.
Odemwingie knows the importance of the fans ahead of the game and urged them thus ‘‘I trust Eagles’ fans to turn up (tomorrow) today at Craven Cottage for the game and support their team. Not often eagles r in England. 8pm NGR vs SCO,” he tweeted via @OdemwingieP on Tuesday.
Odemwingie will be making his first appearance in a Nigeria shirt since 2012.
Nigeria will compete in Group F of the World Cup alongside Argentina, Iran and Bosnia-Herzegovina.