*Ex-defender wants return of Enyeama
As the celebration of the Super Eagles’ qualification for the Russia 2018 FIFA World Cup continues across the country, former Nigeria International,
Sunday Eboigbe, has called on the head of the Super Eagles technical crew, Gernot Rohr, to beef up the defence department of the squad.
Eboigbe, who is recuperating after having been down with stroke, said parading rookies and lily- livered defenders at the Mundial would not help the team, adding that Eagles needed tough and stone- hearted defenders to excel in Russia.
“I’m happy that Nigeria has finally picked the ticket to Russia 2018 World Cup. The boys have done us, the country, proud.
“Though it was an uphill task, but at the end of it all, the boys made it. I congratulate the entire squad for registering our name in the 2018 World Cup list.
“But that is not to say that our football administrators should sit down and wait till it is two months to go before beginning preparations for the game. There is the need for the administrators to start putting things in place now.
“Again, I’m worried and disturbed each time I watch the present-day defenders on the pitch; most of them don’t interest me; they play like pregnant women on the pitch. They are not business-minded. We cannot go to the world cup with such lily- livered defenders.
“For Nigeria to do very well, Eagles need serious and business-minded defenders, who want to make name for themselves; defenders who would be able to stand the test of time when it matters most,” he counselled.
Eboigbe thus advised Rohr “try as much as possible and work on his defence line-up, because from what I have seen our defenders play, they do not have the power and defensive skills to hold some of those deadly European attackers.”
He also recalled: “In our days as Super Eagles player, we were defence marshals and commanders; any attacker or striker that sees Bright Omokaro, Sunday Eboigbe, Issa Sofoluwe, to mention and the like, would have a rethink before coming to our wing.
“Then I used to speak in my native dialect to Omokaro on wher to direct his play, but today, our players don’t even understand each other while on the pitch.
“Eagles also need an experienced goalkeeper, because when the chips are down, Ikechukwu Ezewan cannot do it. I’m in support of Vincent Enyeama coming back to Eagles. People who are against his return are enemies of the team. They are interested in the failure of Nigeria at the World Cup.
“But be that as it may, I think they will do well if the coach listens to advice,” Eboigbe stressed.
He also called on the Nigerian Football Federation president, Mr. Pinnick Amaju, to extend his hand of magnanimity by assisting ex- football stars that have laboured for the country, adding that he served Nigeria with all his heart, yet the government of the day has abandoned him.
…With or without Enyeama, Eagles’ll fly in Russia-Imama
Assistant Coach of the Super Eagles, Imama Amapakabo, has said that the Super Eagles will do well in Russia with or without Vincent Enyeama in post.
The once embattled ex- Rangers of Enugu manager disclosed this in Benin during an interview with The Point.
He maintained that Eagles’ qualification was not centered on one person; that it was the collective effort of the team that gave Nigeria the World Cup ticket.
“Look, I’m not always happy when people say that it is only Vincent Enyeama that can handle the goal post for the national team.
“For God’s sake, we have taken the team to an enviable level; we have qualified the team for the World Cup with Enyeama, so what makes you think that we will not do well without Enyeama?
“The key of Eagles successes is not in the hands of any body. It is the handiwork of God Almighty, coupled with our efforts as a team.
“I also think it is time we stop putting our eggs in one basket; honour should be given to those that deserve it. We are going to the World Cup to perform with the squad that we have built, and there is nothing anybody can do about it. I really do not have anything against Vincent; he has done very well for Nigeria as the No 1 goalkeeper. He has equally paid his dues and is highly respected by football fans.
“But if God says he is not the one that will captain the team, so be it; and if he is the anointed one, fine and good for us,” Imama rationalised.