Keshi promises new era for Super Eagles

Hello Super Eagles!

Super Eagles coach Stephen Keshi has expressed his delight at the opportunity to coach the side he once captained.

Keshi was captain the last time the Super Eagles won a major tournament, the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations.

Keshi also led Togo to qualification for the 2006 Fifa World Cup in Germany.

Keshi told the media at a press conference in Abuja on Friday he hoped to bring hard work and dedication back into the squad after their disastrous failure to qualify for next year’s Africa Cup of Nations in Gabon and Equatorial Guinea.

“I am happy to be here, and to have the opportunity to lead the Super Eagles,” the 49 year-old Keshi said. “I led the team for several years as the team skipper. Now as the coach, it will be different but we will all work together to realise the goal of lifting the Nigeria senior team to higher heights.”

His first task in charge will be to lead Nigeria against Botswana and Zambia in international friendly matches set for next week. The former Togo mentor has already called up 28 players for tests.

Returning to the squad are goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama and midfielder Dickson Etuhu who both fell out of favour with former coach Samson Siasia during his tenure. Wigan’s Victor Moses, who recently got clearance from Fifa to play for Nigeria, has also been invited.

The new coach has been promised good working conditions by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) as long as he fulfils the terms of his contract.

“The NFF has tremendous confidence in your ability to do this, and we will give you all the support that is necessary. You will have to work with the Technical Sub-Committee and the soon-to-be-appointed National Technical Director, but be assured that no one will interfere with your job,” NFF president Aminu Maigari told Keshi.

The Super Eagles

“We are all pained at the failure of the Super Eagles to qualify for the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations, but now that you have come, we believe that you will not only engender a new spirit in the team but will qualify the team for the 2013 African Cup of Nations and the 2014 Fifa World Cup finals.”

Nigeria Squad

Goalkeepers: Vincent Enyeama (Lille), Austin Ejide (Hapeol Petah Tikva), Chigozie Agbim (Warri Wolves)

Defenders: Joseph Yobo (Fenerbahce), Taye Taiwo (AC Milan), Chibuzor Okonkwo (Heartland) Elderson Echiejile (Sporting Braga) Efe Ambrose (Ashdod) Dele Adeleye (Tavriya Simferopol) Gege Soriola (Free State Stars) Ugo Ukah Widzew Lodz Yusuf Ayila Dynamo Kiev

Midfielders: Joel Obi (Inter Milan), Kalu Uche (Neuchatel Xamax), Victor Moses (Wigan), Fengor Ogude (Valerenga), Nosa Igiebor (Hapoel Tel Aviv), John Mikel Obi (Chelsea), Dickson Etuhu (Fulham)

Forwards: Brown Ideye (Dynamo Kiev), Obinna Nsofor (Lokomotiv Moscow), Chinedu Obasi (Hoffenheim), Osaze Odemwingie (West Brom), Ike Uche (Granada), Emmanuel Emenike (Spartak Moscow), Ahmed Musa (Venlo), Ekigho Ehiosun (Samsunspor), Edward Ofere (Lecce)

Source: goal.com