CIV Vs. Nigeria: Oboabona, Rabiu Dazzle In Training

Kano Pillars Midfielder, Rabiu Ali and Sunshine Stars Defender Oboabona Godfrey

As early as 7am on Friday morning two young men claiming to be friends of Stephen Keshi had arrived at the team’s ibis Hotel, ostensibly to see the coach and relive old times. Sidibe, as one of them later identified himself, waited patiently until Keshi came down to see him.

When he left, Keshi said he feels really at home as he has seen several people he met as a young player of Stade D’ Abidjan, but quickly added that he knows the people too well to let down his guard. “They don’t joke with football, so I won’t be surprised if they revive their old habits of sprinkling animal blood in the dressings rooms or even attempting to poison the food the players will eat. Yes, I feel at home but I am a Nigerian first and foremost and I must protect the integrity of my country.

The match between the Eagles and Elephants will be played at the Stade R. Champroux and its an astro turf. The Eagles had their training there on Thursday and Friday’s evening training is also scheduled for the ground. The Nigerian side will spot their tradition green upon green, while the host are expected to don their traditional orange colours.

In Thursday’s training, Godfrey Oboabona and Rabiu Ali, were exceptional, though all other players gave their all as Keshi continues to confuse onlookers about the probables for Saturday’s game. Oboabona even had a near fatal aerial challenge with Etebor Oghenekaro, as the battle for shirts hots up but the medical crew were up to the task. “The competition here is good and I am sure that the players we have here can hold their own against any national team in the world”, the Sunshine Stars captain declared at the end of the rain soaked training session. Today’s match is scheduled for 3:30pm local time, which is 4:30pm Nigerian time.