Keshi Set to Test Home-Based Eagles’ Strength Against Ethiopia.

Coach Stephen Keshi says Saturday afternoon’s international friendly against Ethiopia presents him with an opportunity to visualise the loopholes in his team, ahead of the 2014 African Nations Championship (CHAN).

The coach revealed to MTNFootball.com that Warri Wolves forward Oghenekaro Etebo, who, though wasn’t name in Nigeria’s squad for the tournament, has had to stay behind because Rangers winger Ejike Uzoenyi has emerged a major doubt.

Keshi said: “Ejike Uzoenyi had a injury and we needed to observe him, so as not to have a vacuum should he not make it, we had to keep Oghene in camp.”

Italy-Bound: Super Eagles Defender Azubuike Egwuekwe Says He May Leave for the Serie A Before CHAN 2014.
Italy-Bound: Super Eagles Defender Azubuike Egwuekwe Says He May Leave for the Serie A Before CHAN 2014.
Nigeria are drawn in Group A of the 2014 CHAN tournament, alongside South Africa, Mozambique and Mali while Ethiopia plays Ghana, Congo and Libya in the preliminary round.

The East Africans are expected to field regular national team players, which is mainly made up of a bulk of St. George players.

Both nations met three times last year- starting with Group C final game of the Afcon 2013- with Nigeria winning all three.

Keshi will use the match to effect finishing touches on his squad ahead of their debut CHAN appearance in South Africa. There’s a lively mood in the Super Eagles camp as the players are upbeat of another victory.

“The game against Ethiopia is a great one. It will help me see the loop holes left in my team, so we can make final corrections before heading to South Africa,” Keshi added.

The venue is the Abuja National Stadium; kick-off time is 4pm.