21st August, 2015
As Nigeria’s Super Eagles intensify preparation for the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against Tanzania next month, former Nigerian midfielder, Etim John Esin, has called on all stakeholders in the game to give their total support to the team.
Speaking in the wake of the mixed reactions that trailed the list of players released by the team’s handler, Sunday Oliseh, and particularly the non ivitation of absence of Watford of England’s striker, Odion lghalo, Esi said “this is not the time to stir the hornets’ nest. We should rally behind the coach and support the team to beat Tanzania.”
According to Esin, who was fondly called ‘African Maradona’ in his playing days, the Chief Coach has the right to invite any player of his choice, adding “the coach can decide to invite any player he likes. All that is important is that the Super Eagles qualify for AFCON 2017. Remember, we have Egypt in our group and the team need total concentration not distraction over the list of invited players.”
Meanwhile, Oliseh said he was pleased that players from the local league have put into practice some of the tips they learnt in their first two trainings when they beat an academy team 1-0 in a test game on Thursday in Abuja.
Gbolahan Salami scored the match winner from the penalty spot after he was brought down on his way to scoring a goal.
“I am pleased with the players because they tried to bring to play some of the things we tried to teach them on Tuesday and Wednesday, like how to possess the ball,” said Oliseh.
Only Rangers defender Orji Kalu is now being expected in camp in Abuja after Enyimba released their players who were engaged in a decisive game against champions Kano Pillars.
The players will be excused to join their clubs for weekend games later Friday and return by Tuesday to continue the training in the camp.