Eagles captain Joseph Yobo increased
during the week with the President-
General of the Nigeria Football and
other Sports Supporters Club, Dr. Rafiu
Ladipo adding his voice.
Dr. Ladipo who spoke in Lagos pleaded
with the Super Eagles coach, Stephen
Keshi to reconsider dropping of Yobo
from the team because of his
contribution to the team in the past,
adding that the captain may be used
sparingly in matches.
Yobo Joseph
"I feel that Yobo has contributed
immensely to our football and should
be given that honour to hit the 100
caps mark. He can be brought into
matches to play for few minutes in just
four matches. He is also experienced
and can motivate the team," he said.
Also speaking on the bonus issue that
almost threatened to tear the team
apart, Dr. Ladipo said that the
intervention of the sports Minister,
Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi was in the right
direction because, "nothing should
distract the team from qualifying for
the 2014 World Cup in Brazil."
"We just have two more matches to
qualify and the issue of bonus should
not cause problem for the team now. I
thank the minister for coming to the
rescue by promising to ensure they get
the US$10,000 bonus they are
demanding,"Dr. Ladipo said in Lagos.
On the hurdle posed by Ethiopia, the
Supporters Club boss said, "The
Ethiopians are good no doubt but I
don't see them stopping Nigeria. If we
prepare well, the Eagles will go to Addis
Ababa and defeat them there but it is
not going to be easy."
The first leg of the final qualifier has
been fixed for October 13 by the
Ethiopians who claim they play their
matches on Sunday while the return leg
is scheduled for the U.J. Esuene
Stadium in Calabar on November 16,
2013.
Some players of the team have
expressed optimism in the team's
qualification but Elderson Echiejile, a
defender has cautioned on the effect of
the high altitude in Addis Ababa while
coach Keshi said he expects a tough
match from the Ethiopians.
Source:Vanguard
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