Super Eagles handler Stephen Keshi has assured Nigerians to
do away with their fears despite injuries to four of the key players that
should have been part of the team.
While the Super Eagles prepares for crucial 2014 World Cup
qualifying games and the FIFA Confederations Cup, Coach Stephen Keshi has
encouraged Nigerians not to panic.
Scotland- based midfielder Reuben Gabriel, ace forward
Emmanuel Emenike, attacking midfielders Kalu Uche and Victor Moses have all
been ruled out of the friendly match against Mexico, Nigeria’s two World Cup
qualifiers and the Confederations Cup- a spate of injuries that had caused
anxiety in some quarters, while a section of the media has seized the
opportunity to downplay Nigeria’s readiness.
But Keshi, who took charge of underdogs Togo on their way to
a first ever World Cup eight years ago, said he was more than committed to
leading his own country to next year’s finals in Brazil, no matter the
challenges.
“I am never one to run away from challenges; I have
confronted them head- on all my life. I have very good relationship with each
and every of my players, with mutual respect and regard being the bedrock.
“The players that we have are always ready to defend the
green- white- green. We have 16 players here now and team spirit is high.
Everyone wants to play. What we will certainly not do is to beg anyone to play
for Nigeria.”
The man, who Nigerians refers to as ‘big boss,’ does not see
any course for alarm over the late arrival of some players considering the
period of the European season.
“Most of the players have just concluded very grueling
seasons and have need to sort out personal issues, and of course there are
talks to hold ahead of next season. These talks have to be done now considering
that the players would be away for about seven week, on duty for Nigeria.”
There were new inclusions to the team at their Novina Hotel
camp in Nuremberg on Wednesday morning. The arrival of Germany- based striker Joseph
Akpala and Ukraine- based forward Babatunde Michael.
Portugal- based John Ogu was being expected on Wednesday
night, while defenders Kenneth Omeruo and Elderson Echiejile as well as
midfielder Nnamdi Oduamadi are expected in camp on Thursday.
First choice goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama is expected from his
Israeli club on Friday, Scotland- based stopper Efe Ambrose and Napoli of Italy
midfielder Ogenyi Onazi has been granted permission to arrive on Saturday due
to club’s commitment.
Brown Ideye will join the team in Texas, USA, while Ahmed
Musa and Fegor Ogude will join the squad in Frankfurt after the friendly with
Mexico in America, also due to club commitments.
The team will fly out of Frankfurt on Tuesday morning aboard
a Lufthansa Airline aircraft, and will arrive in Houston, Texas in the evening.
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