The arrival of key faces at the Transcorp Metropolitan Hotel on Tuesday suggests the Super Eagles’ readiness to put paid to the job at hand against the Flames of Malawi on Saturday in Calabar.
Twelve of the available top players reportedly trained at the UJ Esuene Stadium in Calabar on Tuesday afternoon.
Goalkeepers, Vincent Enyeama, Austin Ejide and Chigozie Agbim, were among those spotted at the afternoon session. Others are: James Okwuosa, John Mikel Obi, Godfrey Obaobona, Brown Ideye, Solomon Kwambe, Benjamin Francis, Azubuike EAgwuekwe, Ogenyi Onazi and Uche Nwofor.
On the team’s arrival at their hotel, other players who came in through Abuja were on hand to link up with the squad.
Among of those are: Victor Moses, Sunday Mba, whose deal with French Ligue 1 side Bastia is now in doubt, Efe Ambrose, Obinna Nsofor and Ahmed Musa as more players are expected.
Meanwhile, Guinness, the official sponsor of the Nigeria Super Eagles has announced a $2,000 reward for each goal scored by the National team against Malawi in the decisive 2014 World Cup final group F qualifying tie.
The brand is bent on standing behind the national team in the quest to showcase for the fifth time at the world soccer showpiece. Guiness urges the African Champions to go for goals and reach Brazil 2014.
The brands marketing and innovation Director, Austin Ufomba, said Guinness remains upbeat in the strength in the coach Stephen Keshi-led team and their commitment to qualify for the Brazil World Cup.
“The Super Eagles have the potential to defeat the Flames of Malawi and progress to the next round in this qualifier because a team hinging on a massive support of Nigerians behind them is truly a team made of more,” Ufomba said.
“Since the team won the Afcon, they have shown tremendous progress that leaves no one in doubt of their capabilities. We are enthusiastic that with team work, technical and tactical discipline the Super Eagles will fly.”
The Cross River State Governor, Senator Liyel Imoke, has assured the players of the immense support of the entire state, who he said will troop out to render their voices to the success of the campaign.
Speaking through the Sports Commissioner, Hon Patrick Ugbe told Keshi after Tuesday evening’s training that: “We have his Excellency’s support and that of the entire people of Cross River and we are sure that the team will not only win but will win well.”
