Keshi draws the line
by Humphrey Njoku 30 December 2012, 19:19
Super Eagles manager, Stephen Keshi has said he will not bend back on Saturday, January 5 deadline for the foreign-based players to arrive the team's Faro, Portugal camp.
The domestic Eagles are currently in the Faro camp for final preparations for the 2013 Afcon in South Africa.
The two-time African champions are in Group C with Burkina Faso, Ethiopia and title holders, Zambia.
The Eagles will open their Afcon account against West African foes, Burkina Faso on January 21 in Nelspruit.
Keshi said only Spain-based forward, Ikechukwu Uche was given concession to arrive on January 6 as any other player involved in the Afcon party can only come to camp a day later at their own risk.
"No, we have no discussion to let some players stay with their clubs beyond January 5 and the rules are very clear if any player fails to make the date and without permission we will apply the rules," said the former Nigerian defence ace.
Keshi said he expects at least 11 foreign-based players to feature in the friendly against Catalonia on Wednesday.
Already four foreign-based players namely Russian-based duo
Emmanuel Emenike and Ahmed Musa as well as Italy-based midfielder, Ogenyi Onazi and Raheem Lawal are in the Faro camp.
Wednesday’s friendly against Catalonia selected side will be the Eagles' first big test heading into the 2013 Afcon.
