After over three months of layoff from the national team’s camp as a result of injuries, Kano Pillars duo of Gabriel Reuben and Papa Idris were the cynosure of all eyes as the Super Eagles opened camp for the African Cup of Nations in Abuja, with its first training session.
There were fears that the two players, who have been part of the national team set up from the home front since Stephen Keshi took over about a year ago, may not be fit on time for the AFCON 2013 championship.
But they came out sparkling in training on Monday morning at the Practice Pitch of the Abuja National Stadium.
Team doctor, Ibrahim Gyaran, who later spoke on the state of health of the two players, said they were fit for hostilities in the run-up to the championship.
Gyaran said: “The only fear I have is that since they have not played competitive football for some time, they will still experience some mind jitters.
“But that is only a thing of the mind and the team psychologist, Dr. Robinson Okosun, and the coaching crew are already working on that aspect.”
At Monday morning training session, 22 players trained.
Akwa United’s Bassey E and Fengor Ogude of Velaranga of Norway were still being expected as at Monday morning.
The players were grilled for fitness, tactics and general conditioning for a championship of the magnitude of the Nations Cup.
Head Coach, Stephen Keshi, again assured the players that if they prove themselves worthy of a place in the team and better than their European-based counterpart, they will be picked for the championship.
Keshi said: “It will be my delight if 10 players prove good enough to make the championship roster and I will be happy if at all times four of such players start every game.
“But you have to prove it on the pitch that you are ready for the challenge.”
The team’s training continues in Abuja.
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