SUPER EAGLES SET FOR ETHIOPIA?

Samson Siasia, coach of the Super Eagles is not taking anything for granted ahead of the crucial Africa Nations Cup qualifier match against Ethiopia. Recently, the Eagles coach emphasized that he would not condone lateness to the training camp from any of the Eagles players. “We should have our first full training on Tuesday evening and anybody not part of that training should rule himself out of the match against Ethiopia,” warned Siasia, who wants to ensure more discipline in his team.  The match, slated for the Abuja National Stadium on March 27, would be his first competitive match in charge of the Eagles.

And his players seem to have got the message clear as they also have expressed their desire to give their best for the country.  First choice goalkeeper, Vincent Enyeama, is bent on forever banishing the painful memories of a disappointing World Cup by ensuring he helped the Eagles to not only qualify, but also win the 2012 Nations’ Cup to be co-hosted by Equatorial Guinea and Gabon. While cautioning Nigerians not to put too much pressure on the Eagles in terms of expectations, Enyeama is confident that the team would make the country proud. “We all did very badly at the World Cup…we know what is important and at stake this time. Nigerians should just keep supporting the team for every game,” said the goalkeeper.

For Kalu Uche, qualifying for the Africa Nations Cup is a must for the Eagles team. The Almeria of Spain player, who scored two goals for Nigeria in South Africa, noted that a lot has changed for the better since Siasia was appointed as coach and believed that the team was ready for the challenges ahead. “Our goal is to give our best,” he said. The return of Ikechukwu Uche after a nine-month injury lay-off is also expected to give a boost to the Eagles attack.