It will be a totally new team today as the home-based national team files out against Wyalai Antelopes of Ethiopia in a friendly aimed at tuning up both sides for the CHAN 2014 Africa Nations Tourney, which starts January 11 in South Africa.
With the exit of most players hitherto part of the squad, Big Boss Stephen Okechukwu Keshi will have to rely on new recruits whom he said he has absolute belief in to deliver the goods at the CHAN tourney, with the Ethiopian friendly a good test. “We have talents all over the country but we don’t have time enough to groom them but I’m sure that the ones that we have chosen will give a good account of themselves in South Africa”, Keshi said on Wednesday.
He added that naturally the players are gifted but only need a little bit of self confidence while on the pitch. “That we have been trying to do, so that when we come out fighting everything is possible and nothing will be impossible, the results we are getting are quite positive”, he said.
With the exit of the likes of Godfrey Oboabona, Sunday Mba, Gabriel Reuben, Papa Idris, Juwon Oshaniwa and many others who started the battle with the national team as home based stars two years ago, Keshi has been forced to rely on new stars on the bloc and he insists they will not disappoint even as he quickly points out that the trophy should not be given to the Eagles just yet because of lack of experience.
Similarly team Physiotherapist, Adewale Oladejo, whose birthday falls on January 4, the same day the Eagles will tackle Ethiopia has pleaded with the team to help him with a befitting birthday gift by defeating Ethiopia on Saturday. ” I’m happy that the players are healthy and well but I also want to beg them to help and win the game even if it’s a friendly against Ethiopia so that I can have a super birthday celebration after the game”, he said on the eve of the game.
Eagles Probables: Chigozie Agbim (CAPT), Solomon Kwambe, Benjamin Francis, Azubuike Egwuekwe, Ebenezer Odunlami, Ugonna Ozochukwu, Ikechukwu Paul, Rabiu Aliu, Abubakar Ali, Gbolahan Salami, Ejike Uzoenyi
