Nigeria sharpen up for Flames
The Flames’ leaky defence has its work cut out as Nigeria are set to sharpen their attack with four key strikers, including veteran Shola Ameobi.
The Super Eagles coach Stephen Keshi told BBC Sport that Ameobi of English Premiership side Newcastle United has made himself available for the decisive 2014 World Cup African qualifier on the weekend of September 7.
“When we start selecting the squad to face Malawi, to have someone like Ameobi available is excellent for us. It is superb to have all these players available for our important games because it will help our quest for a World Cup ticket,” Keshi is quoted as saying.
“I would love to have all my strikers available and Ameobi, Emmanuel Emenike, Brown Ideye and Victor Anichebe are all fantastic players.”
A clause in his club’s contract prevented the 31-year-old Ameobi from representing Nigeria in recent matches. Newcastle have removed the clause.
On seven points, Malawi trail group leaders Nigeria by two points.
Meanwhile, Nigeria’s Sports Minister Bolaji Abdullahi has inaugurated a six-person panel on Thursday to investigate the bonus row which almost led to the national team boycotting the Confederations Cup in Brazil in June.
Reacting to happenings in Nigeria camp, local football administrator George Kapachika on Monday called on FAM to address the Flames players’ allowance grievances.
The players want a raise from the current K30 000 [about $75] for a win. The Super Eagles get an equivalent of over K2 million (about $5 000) for a win. Veteran coach Yasin Osman also told the press that players’ motivation was crucial to a good result in Nigeria.
“I am told that even their association will help the coach in identifying the squad. It shows they are not taking any chances. The onus is on us to prepare well as the players who are being recalled have made their mark on the international football stage,” said Kapachika, who is a Brave Warriors official.
Principal secretary in the Ministry of Youth and Sports Justin Saidi on Monday said they met Sports Council for preliminary talks on Flames’ preparations “and looked at issues of preparations, remuneration and camping, but we are waiting for final word on what FAM agreed at its executive.”
Efforts to get FAM’s comment proved futile as both the association’s president Walter Nyamilandu and his CEO Suzgo Nyirenda could not be reached on their phones.
