The Super Eagles will today face, perhaps, their stiffest test since they began campaigning in the 3rd African Nations Championship, CHAN going on in South Africa. The Eagles will take on the Atlas Lions of Morocco in the quarter final of the tournament.
Coach Stephen Keshi has told his boys to go out there and enjoy their game, and not to allow any pressure bear on them. He knows the psychology of his boys and believes the best way to charge them and at the same time bring out the best in them is to avoid undue tension.
’’I tell them to express themselves in match situations the same way they play for me in training,’’ Keshi told Saturday Vanguard sports in Cape Town, while previewing the match.
He said he sees the tie like any other match and insisted that his wards are ready, physically and mentally.
’’We are ready for the Moroccans and I bet they too will be ready for us. We know they are a good team if not they won’t get to this stage,’’ he said.
Goalkeeper Chigozie Agbim is bound to maintain his shirt, Francis Benjamin who has been sidelined since the tie against Mali is likely to stage a return to the defence line which will miss the services of experienced Solomon Kwambe who is under suspension. Azubuike Egwuekwe and Kunle Odunlami will complete the defensive fortress of the Eagles.
In the central midfield, Keshi would bank on his high-rising Kano Pillars Rabiu Ali, Bright Eseme and Abdullahi Shehu.
Petite striker Ejike Uzoenyi will lead the attack. He will combine well with Ifeanyi Ede and Gbolahan Salami. Recuperating Ikenna Paul admitted, ‘’the match will be tough but with the pep talk from the big boss and the efforts we have put into training so far, we are bound to carry the day.’’
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