Eagles fly to Benin, Mikel, Nsofor injured

Stephen Keshi felt good after his first training as Chief Coach of the Eagles.

“Everything went well. The boys came out in time, the training was good and their response was impressive,”Keshi said of the training yesterday.

They play Botswana in Benin on Saturday. The team will leave Abuja today for Benin where Governor Adams Oshiomhole has promised the team a comfortable stay.

Interestingly, Keshi will be playing his first match in Benin, the city where he grew up and which serves as his Nigerian home.

“I hope that the atmosphere will be exciting. I’m looking forward to the match. I really like the spirit of the boys. They have impressed me and we will get better from time to time.”

Keshi was assistant to Amodu Shaibu and, together, they qualified Nigeria for the 2002 Nations Cup and World Cup although they did not make it to the World Cup.

Keshi planned to give many players a chance to play in the two friendlies – against Botswana in Benin and against Zambia in Kaduna Tuesday – but he regretted that injuries to Mikel Obi and Obinna Nsofor may sideline them during the matches.

“They have injuries but still reported so that they could meet with me and be with the team. . I like the spirit. We turn Eagles to a family where players will work for each other on and off the field.”