Nwosu wants Eagles to face African teams
by Humphrey Njoku 15 November 2012, 14:13
Former Golden Eagles' manager, Henry Nwosu wants African challenges for the Super Eagles ahead of next January's Afcon in South Africa.
The Eagles in the early hours on Thursday outscored Venezuela 3-1 in Miami, USA in an international friendly which served as a test match for the biennial football showpiece.
Nwosu said the Africa Cup of Nations is meant for African teams and an Africa match-up will be perfect for our preparations.
"Afcon is for African teams, we need African opposition more than Europeans because at South Africa our opponents are Africans, we need to get used to their patterns.
"I'm not saying challenge outside Africa is bad but emphasis must be on Africa.
"I'll love to see a build-up game against the likes of Egypt or Cameroon. Though both sides won't be in South Africa, they're solid and African powerhouses. A challenge against Cote d'lvoire will be excellent," he said to supersport.com.
The former Nigerian player said he is satisfied with the outcome of the Venezuelan game while he believes the errors noted in the tie will be corrected in time.
"I'm satisfied with the result, they played well. It is a good result.
"Cohesion is what is needed now and that's the importance of friendly. Friendly helps you to see the strength of your team, what they can absorb, errors, loopholes and how to correct it.
"Venezuela is not a weak opposition, names don't play football, every country is improving and on the field of play it is 11-11 players. Keshi must have gained from the encounter and will bring it to bear in his team's formation.
"Featuring of Newcastle United player, Shola Ameobi is fine. The older the experience we need at the Afcon, we need more of such experienced and fit players for the Afcon games," he said.
