Babalo Knows Elephants Will Be Tough

[Folami David]

El-Kanemi Warriors of Maiduguri striker Haruna Babalo is over the moon about his invitation to the Super Eagles team that will tackle the Elephants of Cote d'Ivoire in this weekend's CHAN qualifier, and has promised to bang in the goals if he gets the chance.
.
The former Mighty Jets and Gombe United striker who spoke exclusively to supersport.com in Kaduna said it is a dream come true and he will grab the chance with both hands.
.
"It's a honor to be in the team considering the abundant talent that abounds in the local league, I'm extremely delighted.
.
"This is my first ever national team call up at any level, I didn't expect it to be candid, It came as a surprise, but I hope to make best use of the opportunity given to me" he said.
.
Babalo, who is El-Kanemi's leading scorer in the Glo Premier League almost missed the call up as he wasn't aware until someone pointed it out to him.
.
"I friend accosted me on the streets and asked why I was not in camp preparatory to the clash, I was surprised as I had no inkling i had been called up.
.
He showed me my name in a newspaper publication to that effect.
.
"I took the first flight I could get out of Maiduguri to get to camp, I reported late, but Coach Steven Keshi was magnanimous enough to accept my explanations and let me into camp". Babalo explained.
.
The Super Eagles rounded up their training exercises for the game on Thursday, and the players are in high spirits going into the game.

[Shola Sholaz]

No team is easy when it comes to African football. Nigeria are not fond of writing teams off so I'm happy about that. Let the best team win.