No pressure on Nigeria

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Bookmakers continue to insist Nigeria has a great chance of winning the title at the 2014 African Nations Championship (Chan) in South Africa.
Cautious optimism remains the dominant feeling amongst most of the Super Eagles’ fans though given the setback Nigeria head coach, Stephen Keshi has had to deal with in recent months.
Keshi built a very strong squad for the competition but eventually had to deal with the loss of stars like Gomo Onduku, Uche Kalu, Godfrey Oboabona, Sunday Mba, Gabriel Reuben, Juwon Oshaniwa, Dele Olorundare and Tony Okpotu who suddenly became ineligible after sealing deals with foreign clubs.
Fearsome forward, Gambo Mohammed failed to recover from a hamstring injury and this dealt a potentially fatal blow to Nigeria’s chances of gunning for the top prize in the land of the Madiba.
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), through its technical committee chairman, Chris Green told supersport.com this week that the federation would not put Keshi under pressure to win the Chan trophy.

“Let’s not forget that Nigeria has never qualified for the Chan in two previous attempts. The most important thing is to present a good team and to play good football. If we win the trophy, then it’s a plus,” he said.
Keshi has since released a list of 23 players that will represent Nigeria at the 2014 Chan but eyebrows were raised when the “Big Boss” overlooked several experienced campaigners in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) in his final selection.
Stanley Eguma currently manages three-time NPFL champions, Dolphins and while he’s full of respect for Keshi’s decision on the choice of players he has taken to South Africa, talked us through some rather stellar names that could easily have made the squad.
“Nigeria is blessed with very good footballers so it’s easy to talk about those that could have made the list. However, we must realize that everyone cannot play at once and Keshi has shown he’s a man who knows his onions,” he said.
Enugu Rangers coach, John Obuh and Enyimba coach, Imama Amapakabo also spoke to supersport.com on the issue and duly threw their hat in the ring.
The missing stars
Femi Thomas (Goalkeeper, Enyimba)
The former Ocean Boys goalkeeper is considered by many as one of the best goalkeepers in the NPFL and Amapakabo was quick to eulogize the qualities of the 24-year-old.
“I was a goalkeeper during my playing days so I recognize a great goalkeeper when I see one and Femi is one.
“He’s tall, agile, reads the game perfectly and has a big game temperament. I was surprised he was not included in the squad but we must respect Keshi’s decision to go to South Africa with Chigozie Agbim, Daniel Akpeyi and Dele Alampasu,” he said.
Ike Thankgod (Warri Wolves, Centre-back)
Thankgod is one of the most experienced players in the NPFL. He was captain of Heartland and has now brought his calming influence to the Wolves side.
Eguma is full of respect for the defender.
“He hardly loses out on aerial battles and is as hard as nails. He’s also very experienced and reads the game well plus he’s a leader,” he said.
Chidiebere Okolie (Left-back, Dolphins)
The view held by many is that Okolie was overlooked because of the stellar form of Heartland star, Benjamin Francis who has gone on to make that position his own.
Eguma has been painstakingly monitoring the progress of the youngster and believes he has a big future ahead of him.
“Okolie is one of the best left-backs in the country. He can switch defence to attack in seconds and packs a fierce shot.
“He could have easily been a striker because of his versatile attributes. He crosses well too,” he noted.
Bello Kofarmata (midfielder/striker, Kano Pillars)
Kofarmata is an enigma. Ever present in the NPFL, the 25-year-old scored 11 goals in the 2007/08 season to help Kano Pillars win the league title that year.
He joined Heartland in 2010 and spent two seasons at the Naze Millionaires before returning “home” to Pillars.
Amapakabo spent part of his active days at Pillars and understands how difficult it is to consistently win the love of the ever-demanding Sai Masu Gida fans.
“Pillars is a top club; champions of the NPFL. Having spent some part of my career there, I can tell you that you have to perform consistently to satisfy the fans and Kofarmata has been able to do that.
“He’s one of the most skillful players I ever watched and he can score goals too. His experience is invaluable,” he said.
Victor Alegbe (Wikki Tourists, midfielder)
Alegbe is one of the more unheralded names to make this list but Eguma believes the midfielder is a gem.
“Alegbe is a brilliant midfielder. He passes well and is always looking to go forward. He has an eye for goal and if he continues on this path, he will achieve great things in the game,” he said.
Emem Eduok (Midfielder, Dolphins)
Eduok broke into the scene as a starry-eye youngster a few seasons ago and has not looked back ever since.
“Eduok is very consistent. He hardly ever has a bad game and is one of the best left wingers in the country. He’s very fast and dribbles well.
“He reminds me a lot of former Nigerian international, Humphrey Edobor,” he said.
Expert edge: John Obuh
Enugu Rangers coach, John Obuh believes Keshi has done a good job selecting his 23 gladiators for the Chan but acknowledges that more could just as easily have made the squad.
“I wouldn’t want to tell you that Keshi’s list is the best or worst. In Nigeria, even if you invite a hundred players to camp, there are still more that are doing well too.
“If the coach continues inviting every player that is doing well, he will never make up his mind. Nigeria is that spoilt for choice.
“The most important thing for the coach is to invite those he can manage at any particular time and in that regard, Keshi has done well,’ said the former Nigeria Under-20 coach.
The Super Eagles will begin their preliminary campaign at the 2014 Chan on January 11 against Mali in Cape Town.
They will then face Mozambique in their second game at the tournament on January 15 before rounding off their Group A campaign against hosts, South Africa four days later, also in Cape Town.