THE crucial Nations Cup qualifier against the Lone Stars of Liberia has been described as the encounter that will go a long way in determining the fate of the coach of the Super Eagles Stephen Keshi, says Chief Mike Umeh, the first vice president of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).Umeh put issues in perspective in Abuja yesterday while fielding questions from newshound.According to the board member.'' what we are saying here is that there is no question about qualification, because Keshi himself knows that the thrust of his contract with us is to, among other things, pick the qualification ticket for the South Africa 2013 Nations Cup,'' Adding that ''to whom much is given, much is also expected from him''.He said Keshi as a Nigerian knows the weight of expectation from compatriots both home and abroad when it comes to the issue of picking the Nations Cup qualification ticket.''What do we tell Nigerians if we miss next year's Nations Cup in South Africa after losing out from the last edition in Gabon and Equatorial Guinea early this year'', he asked rhetorically.Umeh noted that if the boys and their handlers fail to pick the qualification ticket, it is not that they lack the required backing, but that it will be down to their level of commitment, which will be a big decider in the final analysis.Meanwhile, SUPER Eagles head coach Stephen Keshi continues to comb nooks and crannies of Nigeria Premier League (NPL) clubs with his invitation of fresh legs into the team ahead of this month's international friendly against Niger in Niamey.The former Nigeria's captain has extended invitation to few new players including 3SC's Taofeek Adepoju and Sunshine Stars' Solomon Kwambe whose invitation came to many as surprise.Other new faces called up include 3SC dazzling midfielder, Philip Asuquo whose impressive showing so far has aided the Stars' revival. The new invitees will join leading NPL top scorer, Sibi Gwar.Also on the list are runaway Rangers International skipper James Okwuosa who is on the verge of sealing a deal with Ajax Cape Town of South Africa, Solomon Jabason of Akwa United who is staging a return to the team as well as Heartland goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi who is preferred ahead of Sharks goalie Okiemute Odah of Sharks.Nigeria will take on Niger in Niamey on August 15 as part of its build-up for a 2013 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Liberia in September.
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