Keshi Lists Enyeama, Mikel, 21 Others For Ethiopia

• Pleads For Early Camping
SKIPPER/Goalkeeper, Vincent Enyeama, and
Chelsea midfielder, John Obi Mikel; head a
team of 23 players listed yesterday for Super
Eagles’ Brazil 2014 World Cup last qualifying
tie against the Walya Antelopes of Ethiopia next
month in Addis Ababa.
The African champions take on the Antelopes
inside the National Stadium, Addis Ababa on
October 12, 2013, with the second leg holding
at the U. J. Esuene Stadium, Calabar on
November 16.
Aside Enyeama and Obi, all the usual suspects
are listed in Keshi’s team, including midfielder,
Victor Moses, and forwards, Brown Ideye and
Emmanuel Emenike.
Keshi has called three goalkeepers, seven
defenders, seven midfielders and six strikers as
the Eagles aim for a win in Addis Ababa to
make the second leg in Calabar a much easier
session.
Home-boys Chigozie Agbim, Francis
Benjamin, Solomon Kwambe, Azubuike
Egwuekwe and Sunday Mba return to high-level
furnace as part of their build-up to the 2014
African Nations Championship in South Africa.
The Nigeria Football Federation (NNF)
disclosed Friday that it is making arrangements
to have the full squad train for four days in
Abuja before the departure to Addis Ababa on
the eve of the game.
However, Keshi has pleaded with the NFF for
a longer training camp ahead of the game.
MTNFootball.com reports that Keshi wishes
to set up a training camp for players from the
local league at least two weeks to the Ethiopia
match.
“He wants to use this training camp to start
preparing for next year’s CHAN as well as
keeping an eye on the Ethiopia match,” a
source close to the coach said.
A broke Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) had
jettisoned this arrangement before the final
group game against Malawi, citing cash
constraints.
The Eagles only had one full training session
before the Malawi match.
In the meantime, Keshi has hailed the
performance of his players, who were action in
the UEFA Champions league and the Europa
League.
Keshi said from his U.S. base that: “I am very
impressed at their showing. I watched John Obi
Mikel in the Champions League; it was
unfortunate they lost, but I am happy he was
in action and gave a good account of himself.
“Ogenyi Onazi was in action for Lazio and
Nosa (Igiebor) played 90 minutes for Betis. I
am impressed because that is what I want, to
see our players in action week in, week out.”
Keshi is in the USA to take care of his sick
wife and said, “She is a lot better now”.