Keshi speaking with the Super Eagles
The only Super Eagle yet to arrive camp due to a mix-up in his working papers in Spain, Raheem Lawal, is expected in the country Thursday or Friday on time for the clash against Namibia on Sunday.
Super Eagles boss Stephen Keshi explained that the player’s late arrival has to do with the expiration of his working papers which has now been put in order with the assistance of NFF officials led by team secretary, Dayo Enebi Achor.
The Scribe, himself confirmed the development and said whether or not the player will make the cut against the Southern Africa, now depends on the Head Coach.
After enjoying perfect support and hospitality for the first three days the team trained at the University of Calabar Sports Centre, the Super Eagles preparations for the World Cup qualifier against Namibia, takes a different turn as the team moves to the UJ Esuene Stadium Thursday.
The stadium located almost opposite the Metropolitan Hotel abode of the team will be flung open for the team to perfect strategies for two days before it steps out on Sunday for the clash against Namibia’s Brave Warriors.
Players, who were given Wednesday off training, have been looking forward eagerly to training at the stadium, which will host the Namibian game as well as the Nations Cup 2013 qualifier against Rwanda on June 17.
Meanwhile, Cross River Commissioner for Youth, Sports and Orientation, Patrick Ugbe, has said he foresees a splendid display by the national team on Sunday when its steps out against the Brave Warriors of Namibia.
Ugbe, who has so far played the excellent host to the national team, said after watching the team train at the University of Calabar Sports ground, that he was particularly excited by the skills on display in player like Rangers’ Ejike Uzoenyi, Victor Moses and Ikechukwu Uche.
“The team we have here is relatively young and I must say some players have been exceptional in training, though it looks like the entire team means business and the state government, particularly Governor Liyel Imoke like to invest in such teams.”
And in a related development, Keshi has pleaded with soccer fans to be patient with the team on Sunday and even in subsequent games, if the goals don’t come on time.
“Nigerians must understand that we are rebuilding and it’s not going to be perfect in a day or just one or two matches. What we need from them is patience and of course prayers. On our part we are ready to give more than 100 per cent to ensure that the country returns to the top of football in Africa and one of the best in the world,” he said.