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It’s risky for Eagles to play more friendlies – Kpakor

A similar position was taken by another former Super Eagles star defender Taribo West who said the Nigeria Football Federation should not organize more matches…

A similar position was taken by another former Super Eagles star defender Taribo West who said the Nigeria Football Federation should not organize more matches for the team as it would amount to exposing the players to injuries.

Speaking to Trustsports from his base in Makurdi, the former BCC Lions mid-fielder said even if friendly matches are not organized for the team, there would be no problem of fitness because the players who have returned to their respective clubs in Europe have since commenced pre-season training with their clubs and would still be fit by the time they would be home for the tie against Tunisia.

Kpakor said “I quite agree with Taribo West who said there should be no more friendlies for the team now that injury to any of the key players would be dangerous to the ambition of the team. Even if there are no more friendly matches, the players would be fit when they come home for the match against Tunisia because they are currently engaged in the pre-season training with their clubs”.

The former Sharks, Lobi Stars coach however said if it is a most that a match should be organized for the Super Eagles, it should be reserved for some of the players who did not feature in the previous friendly matches against Republic of Ireland and France.

He advised that those who have established themselves in the team should not be invited for such a match because if in the process anything unpalatable happens to any of them, it would be a major setback for the team.

“All the same, if the team must play a friendly match, it should be reserved for some of the players who did not get the opportunity to feature in the friendly matches which the team played recently. Such players should be featured and if any is found to be good enough to join the team, he should be included in the team.

“I completely disagree with those who want some of the key players to be exposed to more friendly matches. It is important to avoid unnecessary risk at this crucial period” he maintained.

Kpakor added that the present Super Eagles players have proved in concrete terms that they are capable of qualifying the nation for the 2010 World Cup and should not be starved of all the support they need.

The former Policeman of Nigerian football in the days of Dutchman Clemence Westerhof maintained that if the players are given all the necessary support, they will surely beat Eagles of Tunisia in Abuja and go ahead to win the remaining matches to qualify for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.


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