CATALONIA DRAW WILL BOOST EAGLES

Oduamadi, Odibe: Catalonia Draw Will Boost Eagles Super Eagles. Duo of Nnamdi Oduamadi and Michael Odibe believe that last night's 1-1 friendly draw against the star-studded Catalonia side will boost the confidence of the senior national team ahead of the 2013 Africa Nations Cup.

The Super Eagles were behind just after three minutes when Sergio Gonzalez shot the hosts into the lead from the spot after Fegor Ogude handled the ball inside the box, but Bright Dike of Portland Timbers in USA restored parity for Nigeria after he calmly slotted home Ogenyi Onazi pass in the 55th minute. And Oduamadi who is currently holidaying in Nigeria admitted that though the opening stages of the game was tough for the home lads, they grew in confidence as the game progressed. "I think they all did very well considering the quality of the players they played against," the Varese winger began.

"The result will boost the confidence of the players- particularly the home-based players who started the game."
Coach Stephen Keshi started as many as seven players from the Nigeria Premier League, while the Catalans lined up the likes of Xavi, Carles Puyol, Gerrard Pique and Krkic Bojan from the first whistle."

"The Nations Cup will be a massive tournament where these players will blossom and I think we stand a great chance of doing well," Oduamadi posited. Odibe who has continued to be overlooked by the national team handlers despite his growing reputation in Ukraine also averred that the return of Joseph Yobo in defence will bring more stability to the team. "The team lacked a leader in the opening stages but the return of Yobo will bring stability to the team," he began. "The Nations Cp will be a different ball game against oppositions who are potential champions. They must be ready to fight for every ball they lose because the trophy is at stake."

 The Dnipro defender further named goalkeeper Chigozie Agbim as his man-of-the-match for his alertness in front of goal.  "Agbim did well in goal for us today and I believe he is capable of doing more," he concluded. -- JOHNNY EDWARD