Keshi defends exclusion of Mikel, Ejide

Keshi

SUPER Eagles’ head Coach, Stephen Keshi, has revealed that he is searching for the video tapes of past matches of Nigeria’s opponents in Saturday’s 2017 Nations Cup qualifier, Chad, to enable him plot the approach to the game.

Keshi emphasized the importance of getting prior knowledge of the Chadians’ formation, adding that even though he had played against Chad in the past, the video clip become imperative as they have an entirely different squad.

“I can only remember how they used to play in the past and I know that the team will be made up of mostly their foreign-based players. We don’t have any reason to underrate Chad. We are preparing very seriously just like we could do if we were to confront Brazil, France or any other country in the world.

“Football is not what it used to be in the past when some teams or countries were seen as underdogs. I have heard some people saying that we can use league players to play Chad. That’s not true because I played against Chad when I was with Mali and they are strong. Most of their players are foreign-based.

“As for the video clip, I will say that I have not gotten the tape but I am hoping to get it on or before Tuesday. I also know that Chad is playing a warm up match in France because their head coach is a Frenchman, we will do all we could to get their tape,” Keshi noted.

On what Nigerians should expect from the Super Eagles, the former national team captain noted, “If you watched our games since I took over the team and even during my playing days, I have always liked attacking football. We are going to continue with that mentality and formation in the game against Chad.”

Keshi also used the opportunity to clear the controversy generated by the exclusion of the duo of England-based Chelsea midfielder, John Mikel Obi and Israel-based goalkeeper, Austin Ejide, stressing that he did not need them for the match against Chad, even as he assured that they would return in September.