by Tony Ezimakor
Abuja — A titanic fight is on among invited Super Eagles for the attention of Coach Amodu Shauibu ahead of Sunday's World and Nations cup qualifier against the Harambbee Stars of Kenya, all thanks to the sterling display of the new lads that featured in the build up games against Ireland and France .
Camp of the national team has for a long time never seen so much enthusiasm as all the players sweated it out in yesterday's light training; but it was all too obvious that the performance of unknown up-coming stars in the two games has put some of the so- called regulars on the edge.
"We have the two build up games to thank for the kind of enthusiasm in the team. I have not seen it this way for a long time in the Super Eagles. It is now clear to every body that no shirt is guaranteed", was the comment of one of the officials attached to the team.
The camp was brimming for the training that started 4.30pm with team captain Kanu Nwankwo leading the pack.
The official who wished not to be named insists that but for a few exceptions every player must fight for his place in the team. He said the friendlies have really opened the eye of the crew to certain realities adding that gone are the time when players are allowed to do what they like.
We learnt that with the Eagles midfield saturated with in-form ed players including Etuhu, Yusuf Ayila, Sani Kaita, Seyi Olofinjana and Kalu Uche, Chelsea midfielder Mikel Obi would have to justify a starting shirt for the eagles on Sunday.
Another area where a stiff competition is anticipated starting from today is the defense where Joseph Yobo and Obinna Nwaneri would have to prove themselves against new kids on the block Sam Sodje and Dele Adeleye. Taiye Taiwo also has a stiff contest against Elderson Chiejile who showed against France that he has what it takes to hold the number three shirt.
Would Amodu settle for the hungry lads and shun those accused of playing "big man" football? That is the question many reporters have continued to ponder.
If there is any game that Ghanaians and for that matter the Black Stars have attached premium to, then it is this Sunday's Ghana-Mali joint World/Africa Cup qualifier in Bamako.
Though it is an away encounter, optimism is high among Ghanaians to snatch victory from the jaws of their opponents to enhance their chances of making their second straight World Cup appearance.
And the sense of duty from the playing body, technical team, and the various Supporters group unions (COSUA, SUGHA, GHANSU, NSU, WOSUGA and MISUGA) re-echoes Ghana's commitment to return unscathed.
Ghana's skipper, Stephen Appiah and Italy based Sulley Muntari's absence would no doubt have a telling effect on the team, but the large supporters' groups from Ghana are expected to rally behind the team in Bamako, which is enough motivation in the absence of some of the Stars' key performers. Indeed, an opportunity has presented itself for those who will stand in the stead of the Appiahs, Muntaris, Essiens (if he fails to join his colleagues following his court issue), to prove their mettle, and that is also good for the Ghanaians, though playing on foreign soil.
The 2008 Africa's best player, Freddy Kanoute, Seidu Keita and M. Diarra will be guided by Nigerian Stephen Keshi, coach of Mali, are equally in high spirits to clinch victory to brighten their World Cup chances.
For sure, this is what has heightened tension in both camps ahead of the crucial World Cup qualifier.
The other Group D clash will see Sudan traveling to Benin to play the Squirrels. Ghana is leading Group D with three points after a game, each with Mali, Sudan and Benin following in that order.
Abuja — A titanic fight is on among invited Super Eagles for the attention of Coach Amodu Shauibu ahead of Sunday's World and Nations cup qualifier against the Harambbee Stars of Kenya, all thanks to the sterling display of the new lads that featured in the build up games against Ireland and France .
Camp of the national team has for a long time never seen so much enthusiasm as all the players sweated it out in yesterday's light training; but it was all too obvious that the performance of unknown up-coming stars in the two games has put some of the so- called regulars on the edge.
"We have the two build up games to thank for the kind of enthusiasm in the team. I have not seen it this way for a long time in the Super Eagles. It is now clear to every body that no shirt is guaranteed", was the comment of one of the officials attached to the team.
The camp was brimming for the training that started 4.30pm with team captain Kanu Nwankwo leading the pack.
The official who wished not to be named insists that but for a few exceptions every player must fight for his place in the team. He said the friendlies have really opened the eye of the crew to certain realities adding that gone are the time when players are allowed to do what they like.
We learnt that with the Eagles midfield saturated with in-form ed players including Etuhu, Yusuf Ayila, Sani Kaita, Seyi Olofinjana and Kalu Uche, Chelsea midfielder Mikel Obi would have to justify a starting shirt for the eagles on Sunday.
Another area where a stiff competition is anticipated starting from today is the defense where Joseph Yobo and Obinna Nwaneri would have to prove themselves against new kids on the block Sam Sodje and Dele Adeleye. Taiye Taiwo also has a stiff contest against Elderson Chiejile who showed against France that he has what it takes to hold the number three shirt.
Would Amodu settle for the hungry lads and shun those accused of playing "big man" football? That is the question many reporters have continued to ponder.
Source: The Daily Independent
Also in the news
Ghana/Mali: Accra Storms Bamako
by Kofi Owusu AduonumIf there is any game that Ghanaians and for that matter the Black Stars have attached premium to, then it is this Sunday's Ghana-Mali joint World/Africa Cup qualifier in Bamako.
Though it is an away encounter, optimism is high among Ghanaians to snatch victory from the jaws of their opponents to enhance their chances of making their second straight World Cup appearance.
And the sense of duty from the playing body, technical team, and the various Supporters group unions (COSUA, SUGHA, GHANSU, NSU, WOSUGA and MISUGA) re-echoes Ghana's commitment to return unscathed.
Ghana's skipper, Stephen Appiah and Italy based Sulley Muntari's absence would no doubt have a telling effect on the team, but the large supporters' groups from Ghana are expected to rally behind the team in Bamako, which is enough motivation in the absence of some of the Stars' key performers. Indeed, an opportunity has presented itself for those who will stand in the stead of the Appiahs, Muntaris, Essiens (if he fails to join his colleagues following his court issue), to prove their mettle, and that is also good for the Ghanaians, though playing on foreign soil.
The 2008 Africa's best player, Freddy Kanoute, Seidu Keita and M. Diarra will be guided by Nigerian Stephen Keshi, coach of Mali, are equally in high spirits to clinch victory to brighten their World Cup chances.
For sure, this is what has heightened tension in both camps ahead of the crucial World Cup qualifier.
The other Group D clash will see Sudan traveling to Benin to play the Squirrels. Ghana is leading Group D with three points after a game, each with Mali, Sudan and Benin following in that order.
Source: The Chronicle
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