Okocha happy with the new Eagles

Austin Okocha © Acrion Images

Former Super Eagles captain Austin Okocha has commended the performances of the league and new Europe based players in the last Wednesday international friendly between the Nigerian senior national team and their Sierra Leonean counterparts – the Leone Stars at the Teslim stadium, Lagos which Nigeria won 2-1.

The Europe based new comers in that encounter were Joel Obi, Emmanuel Emenike, Michael Odibe, Peter Utaka while the impressive local lads include Chibuzor Okonkwo, Ehigho Ehiosun, Wasiu Sowemimo, Julius Ubido and Osas okoro. Quite elated at the first class performance of the young Europe based inclusions in the coach Samson Siasia Eagles, Okocha told SuperSport.com that such challenges are what the local players needed to gain confidence, while he called on Nigerians not to be in a haste to judge them.
“For all of us it is a good beginning, at least, they have given us a base to build on. I was quite pleased with the new players that came on board.
“Hopefully, they will meet up our people expectations. For me personally, I think we have got a foundation to build up on.
“And for the league players, I think this is the kind of exposure they need, some of them have not played for the national team and we do not need to be too hard on them. It is a gradual process, I think they are getting the exposure they need to make themselves a better players. They all did very well”
The one time midfield maestro has a word of advice for the players, especially the local players.
“What I can say is that this kind of opportunity does not come all the time, they should grab it now, it is up to them because if they use it well the future will be bright for them.”
On the oncoming daunting 2011 Nations Cup qualifier against Ethiopia in Nigeria, the Nigeria Football Federation technical committee member insisted that Eagles are condemned to win the encounter to keep hope alive that Nigeria will feature in the biennial football events.

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