Defender Shittu on the mend

Nigeria defender Danny Shittu says he is making good progress on his way to recovery from the injury which kept him out of the Super Eagles decisive World Cup qualifying game against Kenya.

"Right now I am speedily recovering. I have started running with the legs now and doing some minor workout with it. I know that in a couple of days I would be back in action. I thank God and the people that stood by me up till now."

Shittu said that he expects to be fit for the African Nations Cup in January.

"I am working hard to be very fit on time and play several games for my club, Bolton, so that I could be ready for the Nations Cup, God willing and if the country picks me to play, I will be dedicated 100 per cent to the cause of making Nigerians proud in Angola."

Shittu was named in Shuaibu Amodu's squad to play Kenya, but was forced to pull out with injury, and he says it was devastating for him.

"It was a big blow for me when the doctor announced that I will miss some weeks due to injury and I was very upset. I was really devastated and couldn’t hide my disappointment.

"Everybody knows that I am a player who works hard and doesn’t hide or absent myself from any game be it friendly or otherwise. But I had absolute confidence in my colleagues that they could do it and I was in fervent prayers for them to nick it and we thank God that we have made it now."