Moses in camp, Keshi drops five

Wigan Athletic’s Victor Moses became the first Europe-based player to hit the Super Eagles camp ahead of the busy June schedule for the Nigeria national team.

Moses arrived at the Eagles temporary camp in Lagos on Sunday just before the team’s departure for Calabar where they will play the qualifying games against Namibia and Rwanda

And just as Moses and the rest of the players were heading to Calabar, Eagles coach Stephen Keshi dropped five players. Those dropped on Saturday are Ugonna Uzochukwu of Rangers International, Enyimba’s Gbolahan Salami, Ossai Uche of Warri Wolves, Heartland’s goalkeeper, Dan Akpeyi and his counterpart from Sharks, Okemuteh Odah. All five were part of the team that featured against Peru last Thursday. The 12 Nigeria-based professionals who made the list are Chigozie Agbim, Azubuike Egwueke, Sunday Mba, Ejike Uzoenyi, Juwon Oshaniwa, Izu Azuka, Godfrey Oboabona, Henry Uche, Kalu Uche, Papa Idris, Gabriel Reuben, Obinna Nwachukwu and Turkey-based Ekigho Ehiosun.

Keshi told those dropped to have an open mind as they could still return to the team in future.

He said, “If I have my way all of us would remain in camp, but we have reached a crucial bend and only the best of the best will be needed. But that does not mean that you are not good enough, which is why I can say that we may call you again soon. Go and maintain regular outing for your clubs. As you know, that will form the basis of your recall.”

The Eagles on Sunday afternoon arrived in Calabar to begin preparations for Sunday’s game against Namibia in the race to the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

It was a carnival-like atmosphere on Sunday evening, when they landed at the Margaret Ekpo International Airport. At the head of the Cross River State welcome party was the Commissioner for Sports, Mr. Patrick Ugbe, who led them to the Metropolitan Hotel.

An excited Keshi said it had been long since he saw such amazing welcome for the national team.

“We thank Governor Liyel Imoke, the Nigeria Football Federation and the good people of Cross River State.We assure them that on match day we will make them proud hosts of the national team.