Super Eagles Head Coach, Stephen Okechukwu Keshi confessed on Tuesday morning that it has become very difficult for him to drop any of the players in camp, as all of them deserved to be in South Africa for the CHAN tourney which kicks off January 11, but situation compelled him to do so.
Among those who were released were top striker Gambo Mohammed and star left back, Adeyinka Adedeji and the two players said when they were departing camp that they believe that their miss is an act of God and they will sooner than later be back in the national team scheme of things.
Adedeji, who spoke first said he has missed several important engagements due to sudden injuries but that will never deter him from aspiring to be one of the best left backs in the world. “It’s sad that I have to drop out due to injury but am happy that I never allowed the past to duel in my heart and soon I will return. I thank Coach Stephen Keshi and other members of the technical crew for giving me this opportunity and I assure that when next I am called I won’t fail the team and the nation.
On his part, Gambo who has been out for close to two weeks due to a hamstring problem said it was simply an act of God. “These things do happen and I take it in good faith and I will soon be back. I wish my teammates the best of luck in CHAN”, the Kano Pillars forward declared.
Another star, Ikechukwu ‘Small’ Azubuike, who was very impressive but also suffered the chop of the technical crew said he has had a big learning process with the team and he will be back and better in the coming months. Mfom Udoh, Pius Abdulahi, and Eaglets’ Taiwo Awoniyi also took their release in good faith, promising that when next they get a call up they will be more than ready to displace contenders for their position.
Keshi has meanwhile told the released players and those who made the list for CHAN to remain consistent and pray for their teammates as that will form the basis for their future invitation to the national team. “We must pray for our brothers who made it because tomorrow it will be our turn but most importantly we must be discipline and play consistently for our various club sides”, he said.