EMENIKE TO LEAD EAGLES ATTACK

In an effort to ensure that the Super Eagles improve before the 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifier against the Harambee Stars of Kenya in June, coach Stephen Keshi has hinted that Spartak Moscow striker Emmanuel Emenike could make his return against Mexico. The Super Eagles are billed to play Mexico in a friendly on May 31 in Houston, United States of America and the former Togo coach is looking forward to inviting the AFCON highest goal scorer for the encounter. Emenike who was not considered for last Saturday’s encounter at the U.J Esuene Stadium in Calabar due to injury was greatly missed in the game that ended in a 1-1 draw. “We definitely have to improve before the return leg match in Nairobi and the best of our players will be called for the game,” Keshi said during an exclusive chat. Speaking on Emenike’s return to the team after his injury layoff and following the striker's widely reported criticism of his national coach's insensitivity to his injury situation, Keshi states: “If Emenike is fit, why not? We will call him for the next match with Mexico. He is a Nigerian and we need all the players that can do the job for the country." “We have a friendly game against Mexico and that will help us to bring all the players together and use it to prepare for the next competitive match as well." Emenike is presently down due to injury but the striker is expected to be back to full fitness before May 31 when Nigeria will confront Mexico. Keshi however assured that he would make a statement on the player’s return to the team next week.