SUPER Eagles striker, Ikechukwu Uche, has been declared fit to play in next Monday’s Spanish La Liga game against Espanyol.
The Villarreal striker, who missed out in the Yellow Submarines embarrassing 0-2 loss to Celta Vigo last weekend, informed that he has recovered from his muscle problems and will be available for selection by Coach Marcelino Garcia Toral.
Pictures released by the club showed Ike Uche jogging with his teammates without any signs of discomfort.
BAFANA BAFANA number 10 Thulani ‘Cream’ Serero admitted that he is not 100% fit but will give his all as the national team prepares to take on Angola.
A dull 0-0 draw against Cape Verde in the opening match of the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations exposed the hosts’ lack of creativity.
However, when Serero came on in the 60th minute he made a difference in attack and showed some deft touches. Goals though are a problem for Bafana who have not scored in three games now, albeit in two friendly matches in preparation for the AFCON and the playmaker is hoping that his team-mates will be more composed against Angola.
“For us to have any chance though, it is critical that we start scoring those goals. Everyone needs to be composed and play their normal game. One thing we learnt from the Cape Verde match is to be patient,” said the Ajax Amsterdam player.
“I am not 100 percent fit but I am getting there with every match. Angola is a very strong However, when Serero came on in the 60th minute he made a difference in attack and showed some deft touches. Goals though are a problem for Bafana who have not scored in three games now, albeit in two friendly matches in preparation for the AFCON and the playmaker is hoping that his team-mates will be more composed against Angola.
“For us to have any chance though, it is critical that we start scoring those goals. Everyone needs to be composed and play their normal game. One thing we learnt from the Cape Verde match is to be patient,” said the Ajax Amsterdam player.
” We watched them on television and they are really an enterprising side. But I believe time has come to go there on Wednesday
Goalkeeper Austin Ejide is fit again just as Eagles defied the rains to train at the weekend ahead of today’s clash against Burkina Faso.
The Israel-based goalkeeper returned to full training Saturday in Nelspruit after he suffered a muscle tear in a warm-up game against Cape Verde in Portugal.
“I feel real good and ready, but I am taking it easy as the medics have advised. But I’m feeling real good,” Ejide declared.
On Saturday evening, goalkeeper trainer Ike Shorunmu took the former Gabros shot stopper on a special training with Ejide turning out impressive dives, punches and general conditioning of a good goalkeeper.
He is fit for the clash on Monday and should at least be good for the bench against Burkina Faso. Eagles defied heavy downpour on Saturday and Sunday to train ahead of the game.
“We can’t take chances whether it rains or not,” Chelsea midfielder Mikel Obi said when asked about the readiness of the team.
“It’s been good since we got here and I think the players are gradually getting used to being together and I know we will have a beautiful tournament,” the Eagles skipper stated.
On Sunday morning in the chilly weather of Faro, Portugal, which was running at 10 degrees celcius, John Mikel Obi, was one of the first players to step out for the morning training and the moment he entered the football pitch of the Browns Sports and Leisure Club, he went around exchanging pleasantries.
When it was the turn of the Media Officer, Ben Alaiya, to shake his hand, the first thing he asked after the happy New Year greeting, was, “what is this talk about your fitness level and readiness for the Nations Cup?” Mikel threw a bewitching smile and said “Bros, I’m okay. Team Secretary Dayo Enebi Achor and Chief Security Officer, ACP Gideon Akinsola, were watching the unfolding drama.
“So, what do you want us to tell Nigerians, since many believed you were not listed for the FA Cup game on Saturday because you were still nursing an injury?” Noooo, I had a knock two weeks ago and was told to rest for sometime, but now I’m fit and I actually started training two days ago with the Chelsea first team. So there is no fear about any injury. I’m ready for the Nations Cup”. With that he dashed to join his mates in knocking the ball around before Big Boss Stephen Keshi gave his familiar howl of “Hey guys, bring it in”. ‘Training wan start be dat ‘as we say in pidgin parlance.
Bauchi State Football Association Chairman, Tanimu Saidu, said on Thursday that the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Stadium (ATBS), Bauchi has all the facilities required to host national and international competitions.
Saidu told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Bauchi that that the stadium was Lobi Stars FC of Makurdi’s first choice venue for its CAF confederation’s Cup matches. He said the stadium was of CAF standard and he was optimistic that it would pass the inspection carried out by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and a subsequent one by the Africa Football Confederation (CAF).
“The ATBS is of CAF standard as it has all the necessary facilities to host national and international competitions,” he said.
It was gathered that the NFF inspected the stadium on Monday, ahead of the visit by CAF officials scheduled for Jan. 20. The NFF delegation was led by Lawrence Keitens, who represented his Head of Department (HOD), Dr. Sanusi Mohammed.
In the report, it was concluded that some of the facilities inspected needed to be `brushed up’. Areas inspected by the delegation included the FIFA Turf, Changing Rooms, Media unit, VIP section, the seating pavilions, the Medical Centre and the Police Post.
Mikel Obi has declared he is fit for the AFCON in South Africa after a slight knee complaint. Mikel was pulled off late in the second half of an EPL game against Norwich City after he suffered a knock on his knee.
And he has now told MTNFootball.com that he is as fit as fiddle and ready for action to pour cold water over speculations regarding his availability for this month’s AFCON.
“I am going to be at Nations Cup as there is nothing to worry about concerning the injury; it is over. I am okay and fit for action. I am already looking forward to play in the FA Cup game against Southampton. I was advised by the doctor to rest it for the QPR game, otherwise I was ready to play,” Mikel told MTNFootball.com.
Injury ruled out the Chelsea star from the 2010 World Cup in South Africa at the last minute and Mikel has again told MTNFootball.com he will be at the Eagles’ training camp in Faro, Portugal, on Saturday.
Chelsea manager Rafael Benitez said before the QPR game that Mikel’s knee problem was not serious.
“Mikel missed the Everton clash due to a knee injury, but it is not that serious,” said Benitez.
STEVE Clarke says Ben Foster’s recovery from a second minor groin operation remains on track – and he has given Super Eagles ace, Osaze Odemwingie and the rest of his squad a clean bill of health ahead of Saturday’s trip to Arsenal.
The Albion No.1 will miss the Emirates Stadium clash and the Baggies boss insists it is too early to say if he will be fit to face West Ham eight days later.
But the illness that affected Boaz Myhill, Billy Jones and Yassine El Ghanassy over the last fortnight has cleared up in the Baggies camp.
“Ben is working well and he is on schedule,” said Clarke.
“Apart from that I have everyone else available. We’ll decide on whether he’s available for the following game next week.”