By Felix Onojaiyefe
Super Eagles coach, José Santos Peseiro has urged the team to show guts, grit and gumption by aiming for victory when they clash with Portugal in Thursday’s international friendly in Lisbon.
Both countries will be meeting at the 50,000 -capacity Estádio José Alvalade in what is the first senior international clash between them, as from 6.45pm Portugal time (7.45pm Nigeria time).
“Sincerely, I am wishing that this is a FIFA World Cup group stage match,” said the Portugese born coach.
“I tell you, that this is the level at which Nigeria should be playing. Even though that is not the case, our objective is to go out there and win.
“It is good that we are playing big teams. I am enamored by that, because this is good for the team and it will sharpen the team to achieve our goal of winning the next Africa Cup of Nations. We also have the opportunity to test a number of players.”
The players for the game include Goalkeepers: Maduka Okoye, Francis Uzoho and Adebayo Adeleye. Defenders: William Ekong, Chidozie Awaziem, Kevin Akpoguma, Calvin Bassey, Tyronne Ebuehi, Bruno Onyemaechi, Bright Osayi-Samuel and Ebube Duru.
Midfielders: Wilfred Ndidi, Oghenekaro Etebo, Frank Onyeka, Alex Iwobi and Joseph Ayodele-Aribo.
Attackers: Moses Simon and Terem Moffi, Belgium-based Paul Onuachu, Emmanuel Dennis, Cyriel Dessers, Ademola Lookman and Samuel Chukwueze.
On Tuesday, the Ambassador of Nigeria to Portugal, His Excellency Alex Kefas paid a visit to the Super Eagles at their training session. He urged the team to win the encounter against Portugal. Team captain William Ekong thanked the ambassador and his staff and assured that the team will fight for a win in Thursday’s match.
