AFCON: Eguavoen expects full squad today as Eagles depart Jan 5

The interim Super Eagles coach, Austin Eguavoen has expressed optimism in having the full squad in camp today ahead of the preparation for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Cameroon. He made this known during the training session he had with 12 players who were available at the MKO Abiola National Stadium, Abuja yesterday. […]

The interim Super Eagles coach, Austin Eguavoen has expressed optimism in having the full squad in camp today ahead of the preparation for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Cameroon.

He made this known during the training session he had with 12 players who were available at the MKO Abiola National Stadium, Abuja yesterday.

“We are expecting all the other players in camp tomorrow.  There is a lot of energy, speed in camp and this is what we need in modern football.

“I will be looking for commitment and the way we want to play has been broken down to them and they have aligned and the next thing is how they will go about during the training sessions,” he said.

He again expressed his disappointment at the absence of Watford in-form striker, Dennis Emmanuel who pulled out because his club refused to release him for the AFCON.

“I am very disappointed as he is in top form and his unavailability right now is painful and there is nothing anybody can do about it. The club refused despite the fact that the player and the federation made a lot of efforts and that was the reason why we submitted the list late. I spoke with almost every hour but to no avail. He was eager to play for his country,” he said.

In the same vein, the team coordinator, Patrick Pascal said the technical crew will be expecting the other players who will be released by their various clubs today. He also said the team will depart the country on January 5 to Cameroon.

“We all know the situation we are in as some of the clubs will release their players tomorrow (today) and the coach is doing what he can by training with the ones available now. We are leaving on the 5th by the special grace of God,” he said.

The names of players in the camp are as follows: Moses Simon (FC Nantes, France), Francis Uzoho (AC Omonia, Cyprus), Henry Onyekuru (Olympiacos, Greece), Peter Olayinka (Slavia Praha, Czech Republic).

Others are Chidozie Awaziem (Alayanspor, Turkey), Chidera Ejuke (CSKA Moscow, Russia), Daniel Akpeyi (Kaizer Chiefs, South Africa), Sadiq Umar (UD Almeria, Spain), Olisa Ndah (Orlando Pirates, South Africa), John Noble (Enyimba FC), Taiwo Awoniyi (Union Berlin, Germany).