Super Eagles Camp Update

Day 3 of activity in the Super Eagles camp showed that the team was ready and set to go against Malawi.

Out of 23 players invited by the coach, Stephen Keshi, only 4 had yet to turn up and with good reasons too.

John Ogu was given extended time off by Coach Keshi while three others were stranded either in the air at the Port Harcourt International airport or somewhere certainly not the Super Eagles camp in Calabar. According to Keshi, they were working hard for a win on Saturday.

“We are gearing up and remain focused on a win against the Malawians on Saturday.

“We know we need just a draw to qualify but we will not take our feet off the pedal because that could be disastrous for us. We will go full blast and grab a win,” Keshi said. Arik Air, Aero Contractors and the storm

Two carriers tried to land in Calabar from Lagos but found out that landing at the Margaret Ekpo Airport was no piece of cake.

One of the carriers had Shola Ameobi and Elderson Echiejile as well as NFF board member, Deji Tinubu while the other had Nnamdi Oduamadi and the Supersport crew.

After trying in vain to land in Calabar and then Uyo, due to bad weather, they both made a u-turn to Port Harcourt.

Two hours on the tarmac gone and the pilot of one of the carriers decided to brave it and leave for Calabar. They landed safely and that was how Ameobi and Echiejile got to camp on Wednesday evening.

The other pilot decided to return to Lagos and so Oduamadi, the Supersport crew, a sports journalist with Nigeria Info FM, Lagos, Okon Iya and Gideon Akinsola, who used to be the Chief Security Officer of the Super Eagles alighted from the plane and went to Port Harcourt where they spent the night and departed for Calabar at 5am on Thursday morning.

Aside these distractions…

While three of their colleagues were battling bad weather, the others were working out on the pitch with their coach, and making promises to Nigerians on what they would wish for the game on Saturday, September 7.

Vincent Enyeama declared that he was not in competition with any of the goalies for the number one shirt of the national team.

Enyeama also gave a hint that sooner than later he would quit the Super Eagles, even as Lazio of Italy midfield youngster, Ogenyi Onazi assured that the team woulf come out clean against Malawi on Saturday.

Enyeama, who spoke first at the media parley on Wednesday said all three goalkeepers in the national team, himself, Austin Ejide and Chigozie Agbim were in the form of their lives and any of them would man the post well if chosen by the national team handlers.

“All of us are good and I must say I am not in competition with any of them neither are they with me. Nigeria is blessed with great talents and it’s always good when you are called up to play.”

Ogenyi Onazi on his part said he along with his teammates are fired up for Saturday’s game and assured that the team would not disappoint despite the furore that has been generated ahead of the  encounter.

Rain rain, go away

Calabar is known for its persistent rainfall and true to type, the Eagles trained under rainfall on Wednesday at the UJ Esuene Stadium.

Stephen Keshi said during training that whether it rains or it shines, the team was ready for the battle against Malawi, declaring the focus was not only to win against Malwai but to get to the World Cup Championship in Brazil next year.

“Calabar is safe blah! blah!! Blah!!!”

President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Alhaji Aminu Maigari has insisted (for the umpteenth time) that the city of Calabar, capital of Cross River State is indeed very safe, and has always been very safe for international matches of all the various National Teams.

Of course, this is because of recent claims by the Malawians that the town was unsafe. Who in his right senses would call Calabar unsafe?

“The Government and people of Cross River State deserve nothing but high commendation for their generosity and hospitality. They have continued to be good and great hosts for the Super Eagles and the Golden Eaglets.

“On our part, the NFF has perfected all arrangements to host a hitch-free World Cup qualifying match, and we are assuring the Government and people of Nigeria that our Super Eagles are adequately prepared to achieve victory against Malawi on Saturday,” said Maigari.