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AFCON 2019: I can’t put my money on Eagles -Uche Okechukwu

By Sab Osuji

Former Super Eagles defence ace, Uche “Gentle Giant” Okechukwu, is not one of those sticking out their necks to predict Super Eagles victory at the Egypt 2019 AFCON this summer.

Okechukwu, a member of the all-conquering Eagles Class of ‘94, in an exclusive chat with The Nigerian Xpress Sports, said though Eagles were not lacking in quality; they are in for a tournament in which no country can be dismissed as a minnow.

He was also quick to point out that preparations would go a long way in determining who wins in Egypt.

He said: “I cannot predict how far the Eagles would go, but like I always say, they (the Super Eagles) have quality, I’m very sure of that. However, preparation is always very important. You really have to prepare well to stand the chance of winning in major competitions like the AFCON. Preparation, of course, is of two ways. First, you can prepare just to attend a competition. Secondly, you can also prepare for a competition to lift the cup. These are two different scenarios. The level of your preparation determines how far you go in a tournament.”

Okechukwu warned against the notion that that the Eagles could be said to be in an easy group after being drawn to face Guinea, Burundi and Madagascar in Group D.

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“There are no minnows in world football any longer. The game has continued to evolve…Every country has continued to develop her game. Everything now boils down  to how psychologically and mentally prepared you are. Guinea is a strong force in African football. Same as Burundi, who are in the Southern African region. Madagascar can also not be dismissed with a wave of the hand. So, I don’t think any team in the group is cheap or weak, no. All the teams have equal chances of progressing to the next stage and even going home with the cup. Just underrate any of them at your own peril,” Okechukwu stated.

The ex-international, who was recently honoured alongside his teammates by the nation’s soccer governing body, NFF, advised that Eagles manager, Gernot Rohr, should not force any player to play for the team, insisting that a player like Victor Moses, who has decided to quit international football, must not be lured back.

“We got quality players, both at home and Oversees, who are eager to serve the country. So, why force a particular player to come and play? Victor Moses, for instance, has been a patriotic Nigerian. He’s been in the Eagles and at some point, he said he has had enough. It is important his decision is respected. He knows his career and knows when to say goodbye. I think his decision should be respected and commended too for all the good things and time he’s put in for the national team. He now wants to focus on his club career, which is not bad.”

 

 

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