Fernabahce striker, Emmanuel Emenike underlined his quality during Thursday’s training session of African champions Nigeria who are currently shaping up for Saturday’s 2015 Africa Nations Cup qualifier against Congo.
The striker who struggled under pouring rain during Wednesday evening’s session lit up the UJ Esuene stadium, Calabar under clement conditions on Thursday.
Nigeria coach, Stephen Keshi presided over the session which comprised of 22 players as El Kanemi Warriors goalkeeper, David Obiazo (a late call up for Vincent Enyeama who asked to be excused for personal reasons) joined up with the squad.
The session which got underway by 5:03pm Nigerian time lasted exactly 90 minutes as Keshi and his assistants put the 22 stars through their paces.
Emenike was particularly impressive as his trademark brute force and direct play created problems for Efe Ambrose and Kenneth Omeruo who were detailed to play directly against him for most of the session.
As always, physical drills and tactics dominated the day’s workout.
Apart from the usual routine of starting up attacking plays from the rear, proceeding via the ranks and culminating with forwards having a crack at goal, Keshi may be anticipating an ultra defensive Congolese side as he concentrated for most part on strikers, midfielders and even defenders shooting from outside the box.
Unheralded Obiazor excelled, stopping efforts from Emenike, John Mikel Obi, Ramon Azeez and was only beaten by Juwon Oshaniwa during that particular exercise.[eap_ad_2]
Keshi then cranked up the pressure and divided the 22 players into two teams of 11 players each.
Mikel captained “team A” which included Chigozie Agbim, Elderson Echiejile, Godfrey Oboabona, Nnamdi Oduamadi, Efe Ambrose, Kenneth Omeruo, Uche Nwofor, Ogenyi Onazi, Ramon Azeez and Ahmed Musa.
“Team B” which was captained by Austin Ejide consisted of David Obiazo (who played at right back), Azubuike Egwuekwe, Juwon Oshaniwa, Kunle Odunlami, Joel Obi, Nosa Igiebor, Omatsone Aluko, Emmanuel Emenike, Gbolahan Salami and Christian Osaguona.
Mikel’s team won 1-0 with Azeez clinching the solitary goal via a fine left footed strike at the death.
Ejide’s side almost clinched an equalized shortly after Azeez’s goal but Osaguona missed a sitter from two yards after the impressive Emenike bulldozed his way past a lackluster Ambrose on the byline.
Keshi was pleased with the exertions of his charges and was effusive in his praise after the session.
“I was impressed with what I saw of the boys today (Thursday). This was good. Very good.
“Since we started training on Tuesday, it has been very impressive. I like the mentality. I like the attitude and I just hope we take this to Saturday,” he exclusively told supersport.com afterwards.
Saturday’s game at the UJ Esuene Stadium will kick off by 5pm Nigerian time. (supersport.com)[eap_ad_3]