The media officer for the Super Eagles, Babafemi Raji, confirmed on Friday in Abidjan that all players are in good health and prepared for their Round of 16 encounter against Cameroon.
In a crucial Round of 16 clash in the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations, the Super Eagles will face the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon at the Stade Félix Houphouët-Boigny in Abidjan on Saturday, with the match scheduled for 9 pm (Nigerian time).
All 25 players actively participated in the Super Eagles’ training session at the Police Nationale Ecole de Police D’Abidjan on Friday. The training primarily involved light workouts, with the first 30 minutes being open to journalists and the public.
Babafemi Raji, speaking to newsmen on the sidelines of the training, assured that there were no injury concerns, confirming that all players are ready 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.
Regarding the urging of forwards Victor Osimhen, Moses Simon, and Samuel Chukwueze to enhance their goal-scoring efficiency, Raji emphasized that it is the collective responsibility of the entire team rather than being solely attributed to a 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.
On the possible inclusion of Kelechi Iheanacho in the matchday squad against Cameroon, Raji noted that the decision was that of Coach Jose Peseiro.
“We’ve talked about it. It’s the coach’s beat.
“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.
Regarding the performance of the current number one goalkeeper for the Super Eagles, Stanley Nwabali, it was acknowledged that he is in excellent form. However, it was also mentioned that his strength often comes from the support of the entire 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 session commenced around 4:30 p.m. and concluded at 6:30 p.m. on Friday.