–Eagles goalkeeper trainer praydDefender recovers on time
Super Eagles assistant coach Ike Shorunmu is sad that defender Elderson Echiejile will not be part of the team to the fast approaching 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil, saying it was painful missing such a player who has contributed a lot to the team.
The AS Monaco defender sustained an injury in the international friendly match against Greece last week and has been ruled out of the Mundial billed to kick off on June 12.
Ejike Uzoenyi who was initially dropped from the final 23-man list for the World Cup has since been called up by Coach Stephen Keshi to replace Echiejile who is expected back home while the team proceeds to Brazil on June 10 for the World Cup.
“It is painful missing a player like Echiejile who has been doing a lot for the team, very hard working player and committed as well”, says the Super Eagles goalkeepers’ trainer.
“That is not the end of life, we would have loved him to be part of the team for the World Cup but we pray that he recovers on time, the Nations Cup is still there and we look forward to having him back in the team soon.
Shorunmu who also recounted how he missed the France ’98 World Cup before coming to feature in the highest football tournament at the Korea/ Japan World Cup said it was hard to believe but one has to be confident of himself and remain focus and thank God for still being alive.
Meanwhile, the Super Eagles’ 2-1 defeat to the United States of America has generated a lot of criticism against the team as many believe that the African champions may not live up to expectations at the World Cup having played two draw games before the USA match on Saturday.
Nigeria will play Iran, Bosnia Herzegovina and Argentina during the first round of the World Cup in Brazil.
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