Team sources told reporters that during the visit, the Benin Monarch is expected to bless the team and also, pray for the future of the team, especially as new handler of the team, Stephen Okechukwu Keshi, is regarded as a son of the soil.
Edo FA officials led by the Chairman, Chief Abel Ehigie, have been making arrangements to ensure a smooth game on Saturday, even as all relevant committees have been put on alert. “We’re making proper preparations and because this is a grade A friendly involving the richest national team in Africa, security has been beefed up in and around Benin City”, declared Edo FA Vice Chairmen, Frank Ilaboya.
Already, indications have emerged that the Edo youth team, comprising U14 and U15 managed by veteran Shuiabu Amodu, will set the tone for Saturday’s game, when it displays it skills before the Super Eagles encounter.
The Amodu tutored side now styled Team Oshiomhole, will be made to play against themselves on the day. Two Senatorial districts are expected to file out in the curtain raiser to the Super Eagles-Botswana encounter. “The Comrade Governor is excited and ready to make Saturday, a day to remember, because it falls on the day of his inauguration, and he wants to make the best of the ceremony”, Edo FA Media Committee Chairman, Ben Alaiya added.
Eagles fly to Benin, Mikel, Nsofor injured
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November 10, 2011
Sports
By Onochie Anibeze
Stephen Keshi felt good after his first training as Chief Coach of the Eagles.
“Everything went well. The boys came out in time, the training was good and their response was impressive,”Keshi said of the training yesterday.
Coach Steven Keshil training the Super Eagle in Abuja. Photo Gbemiga Olamikan
They play Botswana in Benin on Saturday. The team will leave Abuja today for Benin where Governor Adams Oshiomhole has promised the team a comfortable stay.
Interestingly, Keshi will be playing his first match in Benin, the city where he grew up and which serves as his Nigerian home.
“I hope that the atmosphere will be exciting. I’m looking forward to the match. I really like the spirit of the boys. They have impressed me and we will get better from time to time.”
Keshi was assistant to Amodu Shaibu and, together, they qualified Nigeria for the 2002 Nations Cup and World Cup although they did not make it to the World Cup.
Keshi planned to give many players a chance to play in the two friendlies – against Botswana in Benin and against Zambia in Kaduna Tuesday – but he regretted that injuries to Mikel Obi and Obinna Nsofor may sideline them during the matches.
“They have injuries but still reported so that they could meet with me and be with the team. . I like the spirit. We turn Eagles to a family where players will work for each other on and off the field.
If we are only for ourselves what are our lives for? Make a difference; make the world a better place.
Dr Stephen E Ogbonmwan
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