Keshi Doubts Mikel’s Claims

 

Mikel Obi’s battle with the big hammer of the Super Eagles coaches may not have gone with the exit of Samson Sisia. The Chelsea midfielder has become a special focus for new manager Stephen Keshi also following the injury claim that sidelined him from Nigeria’s games against Botswana and Zambia.
aaKaduna said he would take a second look at Mikel’s continued role with the team if it is confirmed that he preserved himself for better service to his club side this weekend.
Keshi said, “I will be disappointed if he plays for Chelsea this weekend. I will be very, very disappointed. There is no sentiment about this. Whoever will come to this national team will have to do that on merit. Nigeria is too big for this kind of attitude.


“It’s a shame that we are not at the (Africa) Nations Cup but that is in the past. Now we need to start looking forward. Let’s bring those that are available, capable, and in good shape to come and play for us and fight to get a place in the national team. They will have to fight, because when I was playing I was fighting.”

Few days to the first match the Eagles captain Joseph Yobo also called on his teammates to show greater commitment to the national cause rather than relegate Nigeria while making their clubs sacred.

Chelsea will be playing a high profile match against Liverpool on Sunday.
On the team’s performance against Zambia, Keshi rated his team well.

“I really commend the players for their attitude on and off the field. It was really encouraging, disciplined, great attitude in training sessions. They gave me everything a coach wants in a team. I am looking forward to the next call-up against Rwanda. Now I know those I want from this group to come back for that game. Then I will try to pick some players from the local league,” he said.

“It wasn’t really about victory today, but for me to see the quality of most of the players and those I will need next time but the victory came and we thank God for that.”
Even though it is a new team management the former coach of Togo ruled out a complete change of the squad.
He said, “I did not say I would overhaul the team but where changes are needed, we will make them. I had like 10 strikers today and I was looking for midfielders to play but I couldn’t find them. I can’t put a striker on as a midfielder.

“I need to have the numbers of players in every department that will allow me change players if one is not doing well. Today (Tuesday) I could not do it. I was trying to joggle with it but I won’t overhaul the team. I will make sure that for every 18 or 25 we get to camp, there are twins in every position.”

Eguaveon name squad for olympic 2012

Eguaveon names squad for Olympic 2012

 

Eguaveon has named his final squad for the London 2012 Olympic qualifying tournament in Morocco.
He stated that he has full confidence in the squad he is taking to Morocco for the tournament, which begins on November 26.


The squad is made up of 11 players from the domestic league, nine foreign-based players and one player who is unattached.
The Nigeria Olympic team is drawn in Group A alongside host country Morocco, Algeria and Senegal.


Final squad:
Goalkeepers: Dele Ajiboye, Olufemi Thomas, Theophilus Afelokhai
Defenders: Kingsley Udoh, Markson Ojobo, Usman Amoda, Emmanuel Anyanwu, Edet Ibok, Suswam Terna
Midfielders: Osas Okoro, Ayo Saka, Odah Onoriode, Obiora Nwankwo, Nosa Igiebor, Lawal Raheem
Forwards: Jude Aneke, Olarenwaju Kayode, Stephen Worgu, Michael Babatunde, Daniel Uchechi, Gbolahan Salami
Standby: Semiu Liadi, Papa Idris, Rasheed Olabiyi, Olaitan Otubanjo, Atu Irumekhai

Patrice evra says Ryan Giggs is a LEGEND

Evra - Giggs is a legend alongside team mate

 

 

 

 

Patrice Evra says Manchester United team-mate Ryan Giggs is a 'legend' and the best footballer he has ever played alongside.

Giggs ensured he has scored in 22 consecutive seasons in his senior career by firing home a stunning equaliser in United's 1-1 draw with Benfica on Wednesday evening.
The goal was also the 16th time in 17 UEFA Champions League campaigns that Giggs has scored and he also holds United's appearance record.

The Welshman, who will turn 38 in November, continues to show no signs of wilting at the highest level after a career in which he has won almost every honour in the game.

 

Legend

Evra believes Giggs retains the hunger for success of a rookie player and has eulogised over the status of his veteran team-mate.
"We don't use that word legend for many players, but for him it's really easy to use that word," said Evra
"For me, he's the best player I ever played with.
"He's 37 years old, but he looks like he's never won anything because he is training hard in every training session and every game.
"The goal he scored, for me, is just normal because it's Ryan Giggs. If it was another player we'd say well done, but it's Ryan Giggs, for me, it's just normal. He's a legend."