Wednesday 9 January 2013

Exclusive: Stephen Keshi speaks exclusively with YNaija on the Super Eagles, who is on the team, and more



by Aitor Labrador Ochoa
The African Cup of Nations (AFCON) comes up later this month and Nigerian Coach, Stephen Keshi is satisfied with the preparedness of his team and the performance of the local players joining the team.
YNaija’s Aitor Labrador Ochoa caught up with the man they call the ‘Big Boss’ to sound him out on his team, the preparedness for the Nations Cup and lots more.

YNaija: How was the last match against Catalonia? How difficult was it with the team you currently have?
Keshi: It’s a good one because it was a good experience. We have very young players, I have about 6 or 7 local players in the game. And this is a big game for them playing against a very good side of Catalonia. It’s a good experience and exposure for them. I like it.
YNaija: But Shittu and Ameobi are yet to join the team from Newcastle, what do you think?
Keshi: We hope that Ameobi can come, and Shitu too to join the team because already, I have eight players coming on Saturday, Mikel Obi, and Victor Moses. We’ll wait till Ameobi can tell us if he’s coming. Newcastle is giving him problems.
YNaija: Why did you invite mainly boys from local leagues in Nigeria?
Keshi: We have a lot of good players in the local league and I came out of the local league before I moved to Europe. The Bull (Daniel Amokachi) was also from the local league and a lot of us, Finidi George, Jay Jay Okocha.
I think it’s the right thing to do to give the local boys opportunity to play. I’m so proud of them what they did against Catalonia, especially in the second half… they played as if they’ve been playing professional football abroad. It’s good and its going to help the local league in Nigeria to grow because it will encourage other local players to work hard.
YNaija: What do you think about the Cup of Nations and also playing against defending champions, Zambia and Burkina Faso?
Keshi: It’s going to be a tough tournament, Zambia is a good team and Burkina Faso, not forgetting Ethiopia. We are working out and we see how it goes.
YNaija: Do you susbscribe to the notion that the underdog tag fits Nigeria?
Keshi: For now Nigeria is underdog we just go there and do our job.
YNaija: Any more friendly before the competition?
Keshi: We are working on one or two games.
YNaija.com

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