Excitement greets Chikatara, Obaroakpo’s return to Abia Warriors

There was immense joy and excitement when the Super Eagles duo, Chisom Chikatara and skipper Austin Obaroakpo returned to the Abia Warriors’ camp in Umuahia after they were not considered for the 2017 Africa Nations Cup double-header against the Pharaohs of Egypt by the Super Eagles coach, Samson Siasia.

As soon as the final list was released, in Abuja both Abia Warriors players jetted back to Umuahia in the next available flight. And as soon as they arrived, the camp exploded in ecstasy.

The duo later participated in Monday’s evening training session where they gave a good account of themselves. Both players said they had no hard feelings about the decision of the national team’s handlers to drop them. They however wished the Super Eagles well in the next two matches of the qualifying series.

According to Chikatara, who certified himself 100 percent fit, the players who were chosen by Coach Siasia are good enough to handle Egypt in both qualifiers, adding that he would continue to work hard in order to get future call-ups.

“All of us cannot play for Nigeria at the same time, so I will wait for another opportunity to play for my fatherland,” Chikatara, who has been acquired by Morocco’s Wydad Casablanca told the club’s website.

He disclosed that all his attention is now focused on helping Abia Warriors achieve success in the domestic league beginning with the week eight mid-week clash against Wikki Tourists of Bauchi in Umuahia on Wednesday.

Obaroakpo, on his part, said he believes the door is not closed for him in the Super Eagles and thanked the coaches for the invitation extended to him.

The Abia Warriors captain also said his attention is now focused on how to help his club win the league trophy or at least pick a continental ticket at the end of the season.