Ex-international, Franklin Howard is confident the Super Eagles can carry their current winning form into the African Cup of Nations proper in 2013, just as he has called on the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, to line up tough friendly matches to keep the team in top shape.
"I'm greatly delighted the team qualified (for the Nations Cup). It has put to rest fears expressed in certain quarters about the team. It shows we can always bring out our mind to perform whenever doubts linger about our team. Winning the ticket was a sheer case of gratitude by the players to Nigerians for rising up in support of their cause," he said.
(http://vml1.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/Super-Eagles-players.jpg?9d7bd4) (http://www.vanguardngr.com/2012/10/19-eagles-battle-for-shirts/super-eagles-players/)JOGGING ••• Super Eagles players loosening up before training. Howard, a former Flying Eagles captain, harped on the need for the team to be kept busy by playing top grade matches, saying, "there is now the need for the NFF to make good use of the FIFA international match days by planning friendly matches against top countries to keep the team in top shape. Let us not sit back and relax because we have a ticket but utilise the time on our hands very well. We need those friendlies to keep the team busy," he said.
The former coach of Union Bank and Shooting Stars was quick to point out personal observations about the Eagles during the qualifiers.
"They are not too serious flaws but I think they should not be overlooked. I have been talking to Keshi about individuality and about poor finishing in front of goal. These are areas that a coach needs not overlook especially when you are planning to go into a major competition as big as the Nations Cup.
I commend the team for picking the ticket and it is my hope that they keep the momentum going. And to be honest, my personal view is that Keshi and his assistants need to continue working on the team and look critically into the areas I have pointed out. However, I do realise that he has a deeper insight about the team than any one of us."
Vanguard Nigeria