Chidera Ejuke is excited at the prospect of playing his first tournament with the Super Eagles.
The CSKA Moscow winger spoke about his excitement where he mentioned that dribbling comes naturally to him.
The Super Eagles of Nigeria are ramping up preparations for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which kicks off in Cameroon in about a week. The competition is less than a week to commencement, but the team is yet to reach capacity. Things are, however, expected to improve after the holiday.
Ejuke is excited to go for his first AFCON
The Super Eagles do not have a complete squad despite preparations for the Africa Cup of Nations in full swing. The players arrive in camp at the Bolton White Hotel and Apartments in Abuja in trickles.
Despite the low turnout, the players and officials are in high spirits and believe the team have the necessary tools to do well in Cameroon. Chidera Ejuke is one player chomping at the bits and raring to go. Ejuke, who has been a revelation since his Super Eagles debut, has declared his readiness to soar in Cameroon.
In a chat with journalists, Ejuke expressed his excitement at the opportunity of playing for the Super Eagles. The winger expressed gratitude for the faith imposed on him and the comparisons to great players before him. He, however, believes that the Super Eagles can do well in Cameroon.
Ejuke said that though he has had to work hard to get to his present position, dribbling comes to him naturally. Ejuke said, when he dribbles, he doesn’t plan. It just comes naturally.
He also reached out to fans of the Super Eagles, asking for support as they strive to reach their goals.
Numbers in camp swell
Coach Augustine Eguavoen, appointed interim coach, has had little to work with since the Super Eagles camp opened on the 29th of December. Despite most leagues on break, the players have trickled in, with only four arriving on the opening day of camp.
Taiwo Awoniyi (Union Berlin), John Noble (Enyimba) and Olisa Ndah (Orlando Pirates) were the early arrivals. Sadiq Umar UD Almeria), Daniel Akpeyi (Kaizer Chiefs) and Chidera Ejuke (CSKA Moscow) joined the team a day later.
As of Sunday morning, the number in camp had swollen to 12 players with Chidozie Awaziem (Alayanspor, Turkey), Peter Olayinka (Slavia Praha), Henry Onyekuru (Olympiacos), Francis Uzoho (AC Omonia), Moses Simon (FC Nantes) and Zaidu Sanusi (FC Porto) completing the number.
As the Super Eagles intensify training, more players should join the team before they jet out to Cameroon.
Super Eagles wrapped in cotton wool
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has been shielding the players from public glare. At their Bolton Hotel and Apartment camp, the Super Eagles are wrapped in cotton wool, with the players under heavy guard as the Federation strives to avoid any scandal that might disrupt the harmony in camp.
The Federation was embarrassed after their last home game in Lagos. An alleged sex scandal was exposed with some players allegedly involved. It ensured the players were constantly under guard.
The players, though, could be seen to be in high spirits as they looked pumped up and ready to do the nation proud.
This article was most recently revised and updated 3 years ago
