THOUGH it is a friendly game, but the President of Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Aminu Maigari says the Super Eagles Team B should do everything possible to beat the Wyalai Antelopes of Ethiopia so as to maintain their record over the East Africans.

  Coach Stephen Keshi has promised soccer-loving Nigerians that they will see a totally new team in today’s friendly aimed at tuning up both sides for the CHAN 2014 Africa Nations Tourney, which starts January 11 in South Africa.

  With the exit of most players hitherto part of the squad, Keshi will have to rely on new recruits whom he said he has absolute belief in to deliver the goods at the CHAN tourney, with the Ethiopian friendly a good test.

  “We have talents all over the country but we don’t have time enough to groom them but I’m sure that the ones that we have chosen will give a good account of themselves in South Africa”, Keshi said.

  He added that naturally the players are gifted but only need a little bit of self-confidence while on the pitch.  

  With the exit of the likes of Godfrey Oboabona, Sunday Mba, Gabriel Reuben, Papa Idris, Juwon Oshaniwa and many others who started the battle with the national team as home based stars two years ago, Keshi has been forced to rely on new stars on the bloc and he insists they will not disappoint even as he quickly points out that the trophy should not be given to the Eagles just yet because of lack of experience.

 Speaking with The Guardian yesterday, Maigari said he is optimistic the boys will give a good account of themselves in today’s friendly against Ethiopia, just as he urged them to target victory. “I want them to maintain our record by beating Ethiopia here in Abuja. We beat them in Calabar few months ago to qualify for the World Cup and I am sure these young lads can do it again.”

Source:Guardian