As has become the tradition, Skipper Chigozie Agbim was the first to arrive the Bolton White Apartment camp of the Super Eagles on Sunday evening as preparation commences in ernest for African Nations championship qualifier against the Elephants of Cote D’Ivoire.
In no time, Agbim was joined by versatile central defenders, Godfrey Oboabona and Azubuike Egwueke.
Chibuzor Okonkwo, Solomon Kwambe and Warri Wolves hot shot, Eteboh Oghene, were also early birds.
By 7pm, about eight players had arrived the camp of the national team in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
More were expected as training, which will be twice daily, commences on Monday morning at the training pitch of the National Stadium, Abuja.
All officials, led by Head Coach, Stephen Keshi, were on hand to receive the stars.
Agbim said it was good to be back in camp, promising that the players will give their all in the qualifier scheduled for the Ahmadu Bello Stadium in Kaduna this weekend.
He said: “It’s nice to be back and I’m sure we are ready for the task of qualifying Nigeria for the first time for the tournament.”
Similarly, the team’s technical crew has replaced Lobi Stars striker, Tony Okputu, with Elkanemi hit man, Haruna Babalo.
Okputu has reportedly secured a foreign contract with a Libyan side and will be unavailable for the team’s camping, hence the immediate replacement.
Team Secretary, Dayo Enebi Achor, says all necessary contacts have been made with the players.
Head Coach of the team, Stephen Okechukwu Keshi, meanwhile has described the death of ex-Super Eagles midfielder, Thompson Oliha, as sad and shocking.
Reacting to Oliha’s passage in Abuja, Keshi said he was one of the few players that was dedicated to the national team, adding that the nation lost him too early.
He said: “I call him ‘the General’ in our playing days because he was simply fantastic and very dedicated, very versatile too. I know we’ll all go some day but I think we lost Oliha too early and I pray God will grant his soul eternal rest and his family the fortitude to bear the loss.”
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