KESHI PENCILS 24 NPFL STARS AGAINST KENYA, SET TO UNVAIL FOREIGN-BASED STARS TODAY
Nigerian Super Eagles Coach, Stephen Okechukwu Keshi on Tuesday, March 5, released a list of 24 domestic players for the 2014 World Cup qualifier against Kenya in Calabar, March 23. The Coach of the AFCON Champions is also expected to name the foreign-based professional players for the encounter against the Harambee Stars. It might not be clear the type of names we expect to see when Keshi releases his list of foreign based players today, but we can easily reveal that only EjikeUzoenyi (Rangers) is the missing domestic star out of the six that represented Nigeria at the just concluded AFCON in South Africa. On the 24-man list is Eagles home-based Skipper Chigozie Agbim, Sunday Mba, who was one of the heroes of Nigeria’s cup win. Godfrey Oboabona, the Sunshine Stars Skipper, who featured in all games of the tournament in South Africa, Gabriel Reuben, Papa Idris and goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi. The surprise indecision in the team is shooting stars of Ibadan goalkeeper, Dele Ajiboye, who started with the U-17 team and has been with the Flying Eagles and the U-23 team. All the invited players are expected to begin camping at Bolton while Apartment, zone 7 in Abuja from Sunday, 10 March, where they will be joined by foreign based players that will be named today next week for the trip to Calabar. The home-based full list is as follows:
Goalkeepers: Agbim Chigozie (Rangers), Akpeyi Daniel (Heartland), Ajiboye Dele (3sc).
Defenders: Egwueke Azubuike (Warri Wolves), Papa Idris (Kano Pillars), Zango Umar (Pillars), Oboabona Godfrey (Sunshine Stars), Kwambe Solomon (Sunshine), Chibuzo Okonkwo (Rangers), Ezekiel Bassey (Lobi Stars), Benjamin Francis (Heartland), Zubaru Mohamed (Tornadoes).
Midfielders: Sunday Mba (-), Gabriel Reuben (Kano Pillars), Gambo Mohammed (Pillars), Uba Mannir (Pillars), Pius Samson (Ranchers Bees), Ohanduku Gomo (Sharks), Obinna Nwachukwu (Heartland), Saka Ajo (Enyimba), Jiya Muhammed (Bayelsa FC), Emeka Ezeh (Rangers), Anthony Okputu (Lobi Stars), Adepoju Taofeek (3SC).
OKOROCHA VISITS HEARTLAND PLAYERS
Heartland Football Club of Owerri, the Federation Cup Champions were on Tuesday, assured of all their needed funds ahead of their NPFL and CAF Cup Campaign. The Governor of the state, Owelle Rochas Okorocha, made this promise while on an inspection visit at the ongoing renovation work in Dan Anyiam Stadium, the home ground of Heartland FC. Okorocha used the opportunity once again to commend the efforts of the players who have made the state proud by winning three trophies within a space of 5 months, including the Federation Cup which they won back-to-back with an empty stomach. He however expressed his concern over their unpaid entitlements which he promised will be made available before their first game, acknowledging that the game of football cannot be executed these days efficiently when the players are not happy. Gov Okorocha also noted that his government is making sure that the venue for their home games (Dan Anyiam), will be put to a standard shape and ready before their first continental assignment. He continued by saying that the contractors have been ordered to work day and night to ensure that the stadium is ready. The Governor however charged the players not to relent in their efforts to win the CAF Cup while promising that he might cut short his trip to enable him watch the team take on their opponents from Gabon on March 17. In his own statement, the State Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Hon Kenneth Emelu assured his Excellency that the boys are ready to continue making the state proud as they have vowed to win this year’s CAF Cup and other laurels. In a related development, the Chief Coach of the Kings of NPFL’s Super Four Champions, Nduka Ndubuisi also disclosed that his boys are set to do it once again believing that all things being equal and with the visit of the number one citizen, the sky should be their limit. Coach Nduka however noted that this does not mean that his team will be taking their opponents for granted especially Nembe City who they play on Sunday in the NPFL 1st game of the 2012/13 season.
The one-time Coach of Plateau United also disclosed that he and his technical crew are closely watching their opponents from Gabon in the CAF Cup, noting that Enyimba played them last two years and with their 17-0 aggregate score over the Sao Tome and Principe team, they must be a good side. In a chat with the Sports Writers’ Association (SWAN) members, the Governor when reminded of his promise to get a Brand new Bus for the team since two years, looked surprised, but assured that a new and befitting bus will be made available to the team before March 17. He also agreed with SWAN Chairman, Mr John Nwogu who opined that in order to help the state governor in funding the club, that there is need to hold a special fundraising programme that will enable the private and corporate organizations contribute funds for the team’s campaign this season.
