Abbas Jimoh
7 September 2007
Abuja — Watford FC defender, Danny Shittu made a late entry to the Super Eagles camp on Wednesday night at about 8.15.
Shittu who was having flight problems alongside another England based player, Dickson Etuhu, had to reroute his flight and make the otherwise six hours journey in twelve hours.
"It has been a horrible trip for me since I had to fly for twelve hours instead of six but in the end I am happy I have made it on time and will give my best on Saturday if the coaches think I am good enough to start for my country."
Newcastle striker, Obafemi Martins has however been ruled out of tomorrow's match against Lesotho due to some domestic problems.
Martins, who arrived in Abuja on Tuesday had to leave for Italy on Wednesday night to attend to his child who is ill.
Media Coordinator of the Super Eagles, Idah Peterside told sports writers in Abuja that Martins was permitted to leave because he had cogent reasons to do so.
"His child is ill. He came to the camp as a sign of respect for the nation and after making his case known he was permitted to leave. He is out of this match but he is still part of our team," Idah said.
Most of the big names invited have arrived for the last game against the Crocodiles of Lesotho for the Ghana 2008 Africa Cup of Nations.
Super Eagles Technical Adviser, Berti Vogts, speaking to sports writerson Wednesday in Abuja said that Austin Ejide, Bamidele Aiyenugba, Obinna Nwaneri, Rabiu Afolabi, Taye Taiwo, Mutiu Adegoke. Seyi Olofinjana, Mikel Obi, Onyekachi Okonkwo and Nwankwo Kanu, have arrived.
Others according to the German technician are John Utaka, Osaze Odemwingie, Ayo Makinwa, Yakubu Aiye-gbeni and Ikechukwu Uche, Apam Onyekachi, Obinna Nwaneri, Victor Anichebe and Richard Eromoigbe.
He explained that despite the deadline fixed for Tuesday for players to arrive, he will welcome some of the players who he said have flight problem especially in England and Germany.
He acknowledged that Yobo Joseph, with an injury, will be missing in the encounter.
The match which will start by 3.00pm at the Warri Township stadium, Delta state on Saturday, is the last of the qualifying series for the Nations Cup in Ghana and a formality as Eagles are already through to the championship.
Eagles defeated the Cranes of Uganda 1-0 in Abeokuta and spanked the Nigerien National team, the Mena, in Niamey to book a ticket in the African football fiesta.
"This match and other international friendly matches are important as they are being used to fine tune our preparations for the Nations Cup," Vogts said while maintaining that the match will be given all the seriousness it deserves.
Vogts, who did not give details, said four international friendly matches, two in October and November respectively are being lined up for Eagles ahead of the Ghana Championship.
He however said that he is touch with Saudi Arabia and Kuwait and is also considering Qatar, Bahrain in Asia, while others will be in Europe.
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