Some home-based Super Eagles players said on Thursday they were confident of making the final 23-man list for the Championship of African Nations (CHAN) in South Africa in January.
The competition will hold between Jan. 11 and Feb. 1, 2014.
It was reported that more players in camp will be dropped at the weekend after the two sent home on Tuesday by Stephen Keshi, the team’s Head Coach.
Bayelsa United midfielder, Mohammed Ajia and El-Kanemi of Maiduguri defender, Reuben Ogbonnaya were dropped on Tuesday from the 30-man team in camp for ``low productivity’’. Our source also reports that Keshi is working towards presenting a final 23-man list to the Confederation of African Football (CAF) before the Jan. 3, deadline.
Shooting Stars FC of Ibadan striker Gbolahan Salami told newsmen in Abuja that it would not be the end of life if he did not make the final list.
``If I do not make the team, that is not the end of the world; I still have a long way to go,’’ he said.
Salami noted that it was not his first time of coming to the Eagles camp and later dropped.
According to him, making the final list this time will be his greatest joy.
``This will be an opportunity for me to lift the CHAN trophy; I had a good tournament playing in the U-20 and U-23 teams.
``I know the joy that follows when a team wins trophies,’’ Salami said.
Umar Zango, Kano Pillars defender, said invitation to the national team was a privilege but noted that it would be a disappointment if he missed out of CHAN.
He said that he would always do his best to prove his worth in the team to ensure he made the final list.
Zango said he was confident that the home-based team would excel at the 2014 CHAN because of their exploits in the international friendly match against Italy on Nov. 18 in London.
The team’s goalkeeper, Chigozie Agbim, said he would keep doing his best in spite of the presence of four other goalkeepers in camp, including Golden Eaglets’ Dele Alampasu.
Agbim told newsmen that he was not scared about Alampasu’s performance in camp as they were all working for the same purpose which is to win the CHAN.
Four players, including Bendel Insurance FC duo of central defender Obannu Erhune and central defensive midfielder Ikeleji Bello were invited as a replacement for those evicted.
The others are Warri Wolves’ midfielder, Ewenike Achibi, and Mfon Udoh, who recently moved from Akwa United FC of Uyo to Enyimba International FC of Aba.
Keshi had said earlier in the week that he had begun a gradual process of elimination by substitution to enable him to have a formidable squad for CHAN.
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