Babafemi Raji, the media officer for the Super Eagles, confirmed on Friday that the team was fully fit and prepared for their Round of 16 showdown against Cameroon.
At the Stade Félix Houphouët-Boigny in Abidjan, the Super Eagles are set to face the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon in a pivotal match of the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations, scheduled for Saturday at 9 PM Nigerian time.
All 25 players attended the Super Eagles’ training session at the Police Nationale Ecole de Police D’Abidjan on Friday.
The session consisted mostly of light workouts, with the initial 30 minutes open to journalists and the public.
Speaking to NAN on the sidelines of the training, Raji assured that there were no injury concerns, emphasizing that all players were fit and available for selection.
“No injury concerns, the players are pumped up and all members of the squad are available for selection and in good spirit.
“Tactically, the coaches have been working all day and night to ensure they get the right strategy for the match tomorrow.
“What Nigerians should expect is an outright win. We don’t want to go the extra mile by getting to extra-time.
“We just want to do justice within 90 minutes.
“We call on Nigerians to support us and pray for us,” he said.
Raji emphasized that the call for forwards Victor Osimhen, Moses Simon, and Samuel Chukwueze to improve their goal-scoring efficiency reflects the collective responsibility of the entire team rather than singling out any specific individual or department.
“Football is a team sport. We don’t look at departments or individuals in football. It is a team sport.
“We win, lose, or draw together. This time tomorrow, we will win together,” he said.
Raji pointed out that the decision regarding the potential inclusion of Kelechi Iheanacho in the matchday squad against Cameroon rested solely with Coach Jose Peseiro.
“We’ve talked about it. It’s the coach’s beat.
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“When the coach deems it fit, he (Iheanacho) will come in. He is fit and good to go. When he (the coach) is ready, he will tell him it’s time,” he said.
Commenting on the performance of Stanley Nwabali, the current top goalkeeper for the Super Eagles, it was acknowledged that he has been in excellent form.
Nonetheless, it was emphasized that his strength often stems from the collective support of the team.
“Nwabili is having a good time, same with the other goalkeepers in the squad.
“In every department, there is competition, which is very great.
“Aside Nwabali, every other goalkeeper in this tournament is good to go; Francis Uzoho is in top form, same with Olorunleke Ojo.
“So, like I keep saying, football is a team sport; it is a team event. We don’t look at individuals.
“The moral support he gets also comes from his teammates, the likes of Uzoho and Ojo,” he said.
The training, which began at about 4.30 p.m. ended at 6.30 p.m. on Friday
(NAN)