Ukadike urges Eagles to show fighting spirit against Kenya

By Eddie Akalonu

Former international, Nicholas Ukadike has said Nigeria’s World Cup qualifier against the Harambee Stars in Calabar next week, should be given same level of fighting spirit as the the team displayed in winning the Nations Cup in South Africa.

“I have no doubt in my mind about our ability to beat Kenya here, but the Eagles must produce same fighting spirit to win big and make the return leg  in Nairobi a mere formality. We must view Kenya as a threat in that everyone yearns for the opportunity to secure some good result against us as African champions. I will particularly be delighted if the team can post very good form and real fighting spirit in the tie because it will also keep the team in shape for future games,” he said.

Coach Ukadike, who described increased slots given to players of the Nigerian league in Stephen Keshi’s list for the Calabar clash as encouraging, said he hopes that more of them would utilise the opportunity to make the team proper.

“I’m delighted by Keshi’s move because it leaves more players to play themselves into the team and if we have this happen more often as matches come, gradually there will be a balance between home and foreign based professionals in the team,” he stated.

The former Spartans of Owerri, Iwuanyanwu Nationale, ACB and Abiola Babes hit-man gave kudos to both the NFF and Keshi for doing away with past practices when matters of international engagements were left unattended to until the last minute.

“I’m happy the federation and coaching crew now have the tendency to act fast in dealing with matters concerning our international engagements.  A case in point is the tie against Kenya, it was timely,” he said. Eagles face the Stars next week Saturday.