Mexico Game Is Crucial – Keshi -Sets Target For Big Stage -Laments Yobo’s Absence -Speaks Of Scotland Next Super Eagles head coach, Stephen Keshi says Wednesday’s international friendly against Mexico will accord him the chance of seeing players available to him who are capable of rising to the occasion and face challenges of the big stage, which would be on offer at this year’s World Cup in Brazil. Against critical comments from some Nigerian soccer analysts, who consider Mexico too lightweight a challenge to test Nigeria’s readiness for the like of Bosnia-Herzegovina and Argentina at Brazil 2014, Keshi insists he will pick many positives from the midweek clash at Georgia Dome, Atlanta, USA. Although The Big Boss says he is no thinking about getting victory desperately, he has served a vaguely hidden threat that only players who are able to meet up to the hurdles posed by El Tri would end up making his final squad to The Land of Samba. Keshi stated further that he is eyeing the game as integral to his plans for Brazil, as it is the only FIFA free window before he opens his training camp in Houston, USA from May 25. Nigeria and Mexico have played out 2-2 draws in their two previous meetings, but the Eagles handler said he is not thinking of breaking any jinx, only6 to get a chance of evaluating his teams performance. What is most crucial is to see how we play as a team. It will give us an idea of some of those who are ready for the big stage, he said. Keshi also said he is not happy about the latest setback for Norwich Coty of England defender, Joseph Yobo, who was initially expected to make a return to the national team with this week’s match, and The Big Boss says he wishes him a quick recovery. The Eagles gaffer stated further that his latest call-up, Leon Adeyemi Balogun is not stepping in for Yobo, but coming as a stop-gap, but goes on to say he has been in regular contact with the Fortuna Dusseldorf defender. “He is not replacing Yobo at all. Yobo was still bent on coming for the game even if just to support the team but I told him to relax and recover quickly for the World Cup. “We have to look to the future and that is why we called up Balogun, he has been in our plans for a long time and it was just time that he steps out into the team for us to see what he can do. “I must say I am glad that he responded well and the boys here also welcomed him well. We also have an opportunity to see Imoh who is part of the system now for us to see what they can do to make the team better. We must look ahead,” Keshi said. He also declared his readiness for the next friendly game, against Scotland on May 28 in London, and thanked Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) for always being forward looking as it concerns preparations for the 2014 Mundial in Brazil. We are delighted to be playing the Scottish team in London as part of our pre World Cup preparations and we know it would be a real test in front of a passionate crowd. “We hope that many London based Nigerians will come out en masse to give the Eagles a rousing send forth ahead of Brazil 2014,” The Big Boss concluded.
Posted on: Tue, 04 Mar 2014 19:17:28 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015