Eagles can soar high without Echiejile –Emeteole

Emeteole, has predicted that the Nigerian team would soar high in Brazil with or without Monaco of France defence ace, Elderson Echiejile. The Stephen Keshi-tutored side crumbled 2-0 to fellow World Cup-bound United States’ team in the last tune-up friendly match, with the Nigerian defence looking very suspect with-out the injured defender whose place in the Super Eagles’ squad to the mundial has become somewhat controversial over his fitness. Continued from page 51 Kunle SOLAJA But Emeteole, popularly known  as Caterpillar, said Nigerians should not lose sleep over the Eagles’ backline, stressing that the technical crew would find a suitable replacement for Echiejile should he, eventually, lose the battle against fitness before Nigeria’s first match with Iran on Monday. “There’s no cause for alarm over Elderson Echiejile. I’m sure that Keshi and his technical crew know what to do to fill-up his position if, eventually, he fails to be fit for the World Cup. The technical crew can easily draft another player to the left-full back even if there’s no substitute for that position” he argued.

“I did not watch the team’s last build-up friendly game against United States, but I watched the games against Scotland and Greece and I must say that I was impressed with the team’s performances in those two matches and I have no doubt in my mind that Nigeria will do well at the World Cup in Brazil” he predicted.

“What the players and technical crew of the Super Eagles need now is total support from Nigerians and not unnecessary criticisms. Unfortunately, every Nigerian is a football coach, including those selling pepper in the market.

Caterpillar, however, expressed concern about the current form diminutive midfielder and South Africa CHAN  2014 Most Valuable Player (MVP),

Ejike Uzoenyi, who has been positioned to replace the injured Echiejile. “Ejike Uzoenyi is not a bad player  but he did not really impress me when  we (Heartland FC) played against  Enugu Rangers in a league match in Owerri recently. He appeared to have  lost form and would need to work hard  to be in top form before Nigeria’s first  game at the World Cup against Iran, if  he must be fielded in the match”.