11th January, 2013
The Super Eagles of Nigeria will on Saturday in Vilamoura, Portugal continue their buildup for the South Africa 2013 African Cup of Nations, AFCON, as they battle Dutch Division 2 side, Sparta Rotterdam in a friendly game.
It was gathered that Friday morning’s training session was put off by the technical crew of the team, as the players took to the gymnasium after Wednesday’s friendly match against Nations Cup debutants, Cape Verde. The midweek tie ended in a barren draw.
Media Officer of the team, Ben Alaiya disclosed that the Eagles would however train this evening in preparation for Saturday’s tie.
Alaiya hinted that the Eagles’ opponents are expected to hit Faro Friday ahead of the clash.
Interestingly, Rotterdam would be without Toni Varela of Cape Verde, who saw 60 minutes of action against Nigeria in Wednesday’s friendly match played in Faro, Portugal.
Rotterdam Coach, Vonk would seek to bounce back after suffering a 0-1 loss to TSG Hoffenheim in a friendly match played during the week.
Kenneth Omeruo, who is on loan at ADO Den Haag of Holland from Chelsea of England, is expected to give Coach Stephen Keshi some useful tips on how to tackle their visitors.
With the cloud still hovering around goalkeeper Austin Ejide, who suffered a muscle tear in the clash against Cape Verde, the coaches have retained goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi, who was initially dropped from the final list.
Alaiya also informed that Akpeyi was asked to remain in camp, pending the outcome of the scan that would determine Ejide’s fate of featuring at the Nations Cup finals.
He said: “No decision has been reached on Ejide or the players put on stand-by, as the team doctor is yet to give brief us on the fitness of Ejide. Also, Bright Dike is still in camp”.
Meanwhile, Enugu Rangers exciting winger, Ejike Uzoenyi is delighted over his inclusion in the 23-man list for the tourney. Before the official announcement of the squad on Wednesday evening, several permutations by pundits had ruled him out of the tournament.
He said: “I was not scared about making the team before the list was released. I put my faith in God as I know there is nothing He can’t do. Immediately I heard my name, I shouted ‘Jesus’”.
that I can’t do without him for his kindness.
‘’My ambition now is to win the Nations Cup with the coaches. I believe in God I am going to have a good tournament. My family has sent me text messages to congratulate me for making the squad to South Africa,’’ Uzoenyi expressed.
Meanwhile, Cape Verde Head Coach, Lucio Antunes, has said the Eagles put up a gallant performance against his side and he expects the team will go far South Africa.
Coach Antunnes, who spoke through an interpreter, declared that his boys met a very experienced side in Nigeria and he was happy that the team played out a draw.
He also promised that his team; the Blue Sharks will cause many upsets at the championship with the quality of players at its disposal.
Cape Verde and South Africa will play the opening game of the 2013 Africa Nations Cup.
—Adebobola Alawode