Contrary to views in some quarters that the national team, the Super Eagles is being distracted by the planned strike by labour unions over the removal of oil subsidy, players and officials of team remain unperturbed. 

According to the media officer of the team, Ben Alaiya, the players and officials were in high spirit at Thursday’s morning training at the practice pitch of the National Stadium Abuja led by Head Coach, Stephen Keshi.

Regardless of the uncertainties surrounding their planned engagements, the Super Eagles are stepping up preparations for the friendly games ahead.

Addressing the players moments before serious training started Big Boss Keshi said he was sure the two friendly games scheduled for the taem would be played as the NFF was working out modalities for the test friendlies. He thereafter took the players on shooting, dribbling skills, headings and under-pressure reaction by players. 

Alaiya pointed out that all the players in camp seemed to have gained equal level of confidence making it difficult for the coaching crew to decide on those that would feature in the games against Angola and Liberia. Alaiya said from Azubuike Egwueke, who captained the team against Lobi Stars to Papa Idris and the four alert goalkeepers it had been great expectation on what Angola and Liberia would offer.

He futher noted that Keshi himself had repeatedly told the players to go ahead and prove they have the capacity to play big games and help him reduce the number of foreign-based players that would be invited.

Valid fears

Many have expressed fears that the January 11 friendly game with Angola, billed to take place in either Abeokuata or Lagos might be affected if Labour goes ahead with the planned strike action since they were threatening  to shut down seaports, airports amongst other places.