Players Vow To Shame Eboue, Others
PLAYERS and officials of the Super Eagles have assured Nigerians not to panic in Sunday’s ‘Super Sunday’ clash against the Elephants of Cote d’Ivoire in the Africa Cup of Nations.
In fact, the Eagles say they have constructed a special nest to cage the Elephants in this quarterfinal encounter.
Nigeria lost to Cote d’Ivoire at the 2006 edition of the Nations Cup in Egypt and went down again at Ghana 2008 edition-both in the semifinal. Today‘s clash at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium in Rustenburg is generating a lot of tension among Nigerians in South Africa and those at home in Nigeria.
But team coach, Stephen Keshi and team captain, Joseph said Saturday at a press conference that the Eagles are ready to make Nigerians proud.
In particular, Keshi said the spirit in camp was very high, adding that all the players were in ‘killer’ mood waiting for the Elephants.
He stated that playing against the star-studded Elephants would in no way put him under pressure. “I am not under any pressure. The only thing that puts me under pressure is meeting my set target. I want to win the semifinal ticket and move on.”
He revealed that except for Fengor Ogude, who is out of the tie due to suspension for card offences, all other players, including skipper Yobo would be available for the big clash against Cote d’Ivoire.
“Yobo was injured before but he is fit now and ready to play. It will be coaches selection that will decide who play today.
“I would have loved to have Ogude in the midfield, but the fact that he is not playing is part of football. We are here with 23 players and it is an opportunity for someone else to step into his shoes,” Keshi said.
On his part, Yobo said all members of the present Super Eagles squad have experience to face the Elephants. “We lost in 2006 and 2008 to Cote d’Ivoire and I think we have the materials to end that now.
“In football, there is no pay back, winning is very important to us than pay back. But at times, in this game of football, you don’t get what you desire, but we will try our best possible to win on Sunday.”