Daily Independent Online.
*
Thursday, July 01, 2004.
Olofinjana, Ogbeche still expected in Abuja
…Obafemi in, Chukwu, Okocha meet the press today
By Taiwo Alimi
Senior
Correspondent,
Lagos
Defensive
midfielder Seyi Olofinjana and attacking pearl of the Super Eagles,Bathlomew
Ogbeche were the only absentees in
the 22-man list that trained at the Abuja National Stadium yesterday evening as
Inter Milan goal-getter Obafemi Martins dazzled soccer fans who thronged the
pitch ahead of the World Cup/Nations Cup qualifier on Saturday.
According to the
image-maker of the Nigeria Football Association (NFA), Samuel Kaalu, Obafemi
arrived the Nicon Hilton camp of the team shortly after the morning training
yesterday and trained with team in the afternoon, alongside 19 other players.
“Obafemi arrived the Eagles camp in the morning but missed the morning
training as he had to settle down. He, however, joined others in the afternoon
session supervised by the chief coach Christian Chukwu and his assistant Austin
Eguavoen,” informed Kaalu
The NFA spokesman
said the arrival of 20 players has lifted spirit in the camp, “The spirit
in camp is quite high now with the arrival of nearly all the players. Skipper
of the team, Austin Okocha and Obafemi actually got the attention of fans that
thronged the stadium to watch their training. We expect Ogbeche and Olofinjana
to be in camp too before the end of the day as they have not told the FA nor
the coach they would not be available. By the end of the day, I am confident
that the 22 players invited would be available for this match,” added
Kaalu.
In a related
development, the football house would present the team to the press this
morning with captain of the team Okocha and Chukwu on ground to answer
reporters’ questions, said Kaalu.
Those in camp are
Vincent Enyeama, Rotimi Sunday, Greg Etafia, Abbey George, Ifeanyi Udeze,
Joseph Enakhire, Seyi Olajengbesi, Garba Lawal, John Utaka, Christian Obodo.
The rest are
Captain Austin Okocha, Ifeanyi Ekwueme, Mikel Obi, Yakubu Aiyegbeni, Julius
Aghahowa, Paul Obiefule, Martins Obafemi, Osaze Odemwengie and Wilson Oruma.
