All 23 invited home based professionals save for injured Kano Pillars central defender, Zango Umar, opened training on Tuesday morning at the Practice Pitch of the Abuja National Stadium in preparation for the March 23 World Cup qualifier against the Harambee Stars of Kenya.
Before training commenced, Head Coach, Stephen Keshi, told the players to forget about the triumph of the team at the Africa Cup of Nations and concentrate on picking a ticket for the World Cup, coming up next year in Brazil.
To the new players, Keshi said if they show enough readiness to break into the team, they will be given the chance.
The training itself was intense, spartan and very physical, with emphasis on quick and simple play.
It lasted for about two hours, with all the five coaches of the team playing their assigned roles.
Meanwhile, the coaching crew has decided to replace injured Umar with First Bank of Lagos central defender, Festus Ajah.
Ajah is said to have impressed the national team scouts in some of his club’s games and now has an opportunity to make an impression at the national team level.
He is expected in camp by Tuesday evening on time for Wednesday’s morning training session.
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