Kalu wants Eagles back to Otta
Eagles’ coach Stephen Okechukwu Keshi’s task was clearly spelt out Thursday by former Abia state Governor Orji Uzor Kalu who urged him to relocate his training Camp to Otta in the bid to make things happen.
Kalu’s words drew inspiration from Clemens Westerhof Days when there was always a standing team at home to challenge the swashbuckling Euro-based stars in the event of perceived recalcitrance.
“Keshi must look inwards, therein lies our salvation. He should set up a permanent Camp in Otta.It is ideal-not far from Lagos, and not so easy for unwanted guests. Westerhof did that,and called the bluff of many.
“The Dutchman kept the likes of Amir Angwe, Eson Osagie, Godwin Eke, Fubara Owonaro there and polished Finidi George, Daniel Amokachi, Ben Iroha and Uche Okechukwu to stardom,”he said.
The ex-governor admitted that just a few of the present Eagles could form part of the new team,just like what happened in 1990.
“Nigeria got to the grande finale of the Nations Cup in 1990 with only three professionals – Rashidi Yekini, Andrew Uwe and Ademola Adesina. Westerhof dropped Keshi, Samson Siasia and many others. When they all came back they had to fight extra hard to make the first team. Against Benin Republic in Cotonou later in the year, Peter Rufai played from the bench while Aloy Agu captained the Eagles to 1-0 victory. It brought the best in Dodo Mayana who reclaimed his shirt in 1994,” Kalu explained.
Kalu wished Keshi well describing him as a true patriot who started small from NICON Lagos through Seven Planners Badagry, JohnsonWyatt, ACB, NNB before the Chris Udemezue induced move to Stella Abidjan pushed him to the big Leaguers Anderlecht via Lokeren.
“A real Nigerian,born in Zaria of Illah Igbo parents,groomed in Yorubaland and married to an Esan Edo wife. Not many remember that in January 1993, French club Strasbourg took the Captain’s band from him for playing for Nigeria. Coach Gilbert Gress was like a father,yet he did that.Again in 1994,Belgian side RWD Molenbeek sacked him for honouring Eagles invitation.I wish him Goodluck,”Kalu added.
