Reinstated chief coach of the Super Eagles, Stephen Okechukwu Keshi, has said that he was honoured to be recalled to the national team, but insisted that the focus is on the forthcoming Nations Cup qualifiers against Congo Republic and the final game against South Africa, which will be played at the newly constructed Akwa Ibom International Stadium in Uyo.
“We have the players who can do Nigeria proud in the remaining qualifier games and I know somehow we will make it to the finals and retain our trophy,” said Keshi.
Team Administrator, Dayo Enebi Achor, spoke in a similar vein assuring that the team will not fail to clinch one of the tickets for the Morocco 2015 Nations Cup.
“The entire team is back now and we have to make a statement as the defending Champions. God will see us through,” he declared on Sunday night.
Keshi who was axed by the Nigeria Football Federation after leading the team to a woeful campaign in the first round of the qualifiers was last week recalled by President Goodluck Jonathan.
In a sign of reconciliation with some of his estranged players, Keshi has extended invitation to Villareal forward, Ikechukwu Uche, Ogbuke Obasi among others.
It is hoped that the Delta State born sweat merchant would swallow his pride and field the best players Nigeria can boast of against Congo and South Africa.
CAF names Egyptian officials for Devils, Eagles’ clash
The Confederation of African Football has named Egyptian Ghead Zaglol Grisha as referee for next week’s 2015 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying showdown between Nigeria and Congo Brazzaville in Pointe Noire.
Grisha will be assisted by compatriots Tahssen Abo El Sadat Bedyer (Assistant Referee 1), Ahmed Abou Elela (Assistant Referee 2) and Mahmoud Ashor (Reserve Referee) during the match in Congo’s Atlantic City.
The African body also named Aboubakar Alim Konate from Cameroon as Commissioner while Moroccan Naciri Abdelali will be Security Officer.
CAF has also disclosed that the crucial game will start at 3.30pm Congo time, which will be 2.30pm in Nigeria.
Stephen Keshi’s 25 –man squad for the battle will hit start to arrive the Bolton White Apartments camp in Abuja as from Sunday.
