Thursday, June 3, 2010

Adebayor tips and "supports" Nigeria for World Cup glory and NFF explain Anichebe's exclusion

The NFF have in an attempt to save their faces issued a flimsy statement in defence of Lars Lagerback's decision to omit Victor Anichebe from his final 23-man list that comprised mainly of foreign-based stars, and 2008 African Player of the year, Emmanuel Adebayor, has tipped the Super Eagles of Nigeria and the Black Stars of Ghana as the potential flag bearers of Africa ahead of Didier Drogba's Ivory Coast, who according to many are set to stage an upset at the forthcoming 2010 World Cup to be staged in South Africa

The ex Arsenal striker, who left the North London outfit for the stupendously rich Eastlands Club (Manchester City), told eager reporters that he expects the Nigerian team to carry the day because of their depth in strength:
"African teams to the World Cup, would be good but I believe and support Nigeria and Ghana to push further in the World Cup," the Togolese national team captain said.

Emmanuel Adebayor, who is on a four-day courtesy visit to Lagos state as the special guest of Governor Babatunde Fashola (SAN) and his football preparatory school, BRF youth football academy added: "Nigeria has the likes of Kanu Nwankwo, who has been an inspiration for me, Osaze Odemwingie and others who are really big players and they know what to do."

Meanwhile, the chairman of the Nigerian Football Federation's technical committee, Chief Taiwo Ogunjobi has stated without shame that 22-year-old Everton striker Victor Anichebe, was dropped due to a "cracked chin" that close sources at the youngster's club refuse to label as anything "serious".

Despite Anichibe's contribution to our boring draw against Saudi Arabia last week, Chief Taiwo Ogunjobi said: "He (Anichebe) was substituted in the game against Saudi Arabia because of injury.

"When he went for a scan in Liverpool, it revealed a cracked chin which would take time to heal and the coach had no option but to drop him."