Monday, March 22, 2010

Victor Ikpeba wants mixture of youth and experience in Super Eagles squad

Ex-international, Victor Ikpeba, has urged Super Eagles Coach, Lars Lagerback, not to discard the players that won bronze at the Nations Cup in Angola.


Ikpeba said in an interview that the Swede must ensure he keeps many of the experienced stars, but admitted that he can also strengthen the team with revelations of last year's under-17 and under-20 teams.


"We are well prepared, but more effort has to be put into what they are doing. I think it is fighting time for this generation of Nigerian players.


"They have been condemned, they have been criticised, but it is our support that they need. I believe they have what it takes to do well.


"Now that we are planning for the World Cup, I don't agree that those that were taken to the Nations Cup in Angola should be dropped.


"I think we need a mixture of young players from the Under-17 and Under-20 teams to contribute and provide support for the older players, who we still need in the team," Ikpeba said.


Meanwhile, with Ray Nnaji and Dr. Sam Sam Jaja filing law suits against the Nigeria Premier League (NPL) and Coach Shaibu Amodu on the verge dragging Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to court, NFF General Secretary, Bolaji Ojo-Oba, insisted such moves run foul of world football body, FIFA and its African counterpart, CAF statutes.


Ojo-Oba said that he will review all the legal documents against the NPL on his return to Abuja, but warned that the litigants will not go scot-free.


"It's about the NFF statutes and FIFA statutes. It's about what the statutes say. Anyone who takes football matters to court just has to face it on his own. The federation will look into it.


"When I get to Abuja and the documents are presented to me, I will present it to the board and we will know what to do about it.


"But, I can assure you, they will not go scot-free," the scribe said.


Daily Independent


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