Keshi opens up on Ameobi, Dike
by George Akpayen 26 December 2012, 08:52
Nigeria head coach, Stephen Keshi, has explained why he included the duo of Shola Ameobi and Bright Dike in his Afcon provisional squad.
The two strikers are among 32 players called by Keshi to battle for places in the Super Eagles' team to the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa.
Keshi said the duo showed commitment, high work rate and obedience in their debut game for Nigeria when they faced Venezuela last month in Miami, USA.
"Shola is a very experienced footballer. When he came into the game, he showed us what he can do on and off the ball. Apart from that his knowledge of the game is good and he has the quality of a leader as well, which is what we need all over the pitch in a game.
"Bright came in few hours before the game (against Venezuela). His commitment wasn't faulted. He's a very strong lad, who is full of running and hard work. And one thing about him is he listens to instructions and that's the kind of players I like to work with," said the Super Eagles' coach.
Ameobi and Dike are among 18 overseas players in Nigeria's provisional squad for the Afcon expected to arrive the camp in Faro, Portugal on January 5.
