Stephen Keshi Impressed With Home-Based; Says They Are Still Work In Progress

Super Eagles coach, Stephen Keshi, has expressed satisfaction towards the performances the domestic league players that have reported to the camp for the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against  Chad in Kaduna on June13.

Keshi, who took advantage of the Nigerian Professional Football League break to invite 26 players from the nation's topflight said a lot of them were nervous due to his presence but that they will work on them.

The former Mali and Togo boss explained that there are still many more talents in the NPFL but he added that he satisfied with the efforts these players are putting up in training.

Keshi said, “Right now, a lot of them are a bit jittery and anxious because they are in the front of the big boss.

“I tried to work on every department of football, fitness, techniques, tactical play just to see what they can do.

“The potential is there; these are not the only players we can get in Nigeria, but this is the group I want to start with and then, we can subtract and add.

“But I like what I am seeing, by the time they settle down, it will be much better.’’

According to the former Nigeria defender, who guided the Eagles to victory at the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa, he is happy to return to the team.

The Tunisia ’94 Africa Cup of Nations winner added, “I feel good and happy to be among these young stars; I think any other coach will feel the same way.

“It’s a privilege to coach the national team after I played for so many years, captained the team for 14 years.It’s God’s blessing; let’s see how it will go.”

Keshi also said that the list for the foreign-based players for the Chad encounter would be unveiled  next week.

NAN reports that 21 out of the 26 invited domestic league players participated in the team’s first training session on Friday. The five players Warri Wolves players invited are expected to join the training on Saturday.