Nigeria's squad (back L-R) defender Kenneth Omeruo, defender Elderson Uwa Echiejile, goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi, defender Leon Balogun, defender William Troost-Ekong, midfielder John Obi Mikel, (L-R) midfielder Victor Moses, midfielder Ogenyi Onazi, forward Oghenekaro Etebo, forward Alex Iwobi and forward Kelechi Iheanacho pose for a group picture ahead of the 2018 FIFA World Cup African zone group B qualifying football match between Nigeria and Algeria at the Akwa Ibom State Stadium in Uyo on November 12, 2016. / AFP PHOTO / PIUS UTOMI EKPEI
Former junior International, Tajudeen Disu has advised the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to provide a conducive atmosphere for the Super as they aim to triumph over South Africa in Saturday’s group E Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier.
The Super Eagles are billed to meet Bafana Bafana in the first AFCON qualifier for Cameroon 2019 at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, Akwa Ibom.
Speaking to The Guardian yesterday, Disu said it was up to the NFF to ensure the players were in the right frame of mind for the tie, adding that they need to be focused in order to win their first AFCON qualifier.
“The NFF should concentrate on making sure that these guys position their minds on the crucial game. They also need motivation for them to be in the best frame of mind. Motivating them will be pivotal to making them happy, which will enable them to approach the game with all determination.
“These players are professionals and they know that this particular AFCON qualifier is important after missing out in the last two editions of the competition. The players should just go out there and do the nation proud because the people cannot wait a day longer than the next AFCON. Football has proven to be the major unifying factor among the various ethnic groups, which is a fact,” he said.
On the quality of goalkeepers in the team, the former captain of Abiola Babes of Abeokuta said Nigeria always produces capable keepers, who have established themselves in the local scene and now at the international level.
“These goalkeepers are professionals too on their own and they are well tested. They have guarded goalposts both locally and internationally and they know what is at stake. I do not have any doubt that whoever is picked will make the nation proud.”
Meanwhile, the Media Officer to Eagles, Mr. Toyin Ibitoye has denied rumour that Coach Genort Rohr has banned players of Muslim faith from observing the Ramadan fasting.
Speaking yesterday in a live programme, Ibitoye cleared the air on it, saying there was no truth in the news. He said those involved were experienced players, who are used to playing matches when they are fasting.
“Nobody is stopping anybody to do what they want to do and I what to clear the air on that that there is no truth in the report. After all these are experience players and they have been doing it for long, this is not the first time,” he stated.
0 comments:
Post a Comment