The senior national team of Nigeria yesterday stepped up their training ahead of tomorrow’s international friendly game against Portugal, OwnGoalNigeria.com reports.
Head coach Eric Chelle was with 21 players in the session following the exit of Igho Ogbu who suffered an injury setback and had to return to his club for proper treatment.
Chelle had the players engage in a practice match after a drill on shooting, goal scoring and defending set pieces that has been an issue to the coach in the games they have played this summer.
Christian Akpan who was called up by the coach as a late replacement for Bright Osayi-Samuel, continue to make an impression with another performance that has put him in the frame for a start.
Comfortable as a right or left back, the 21 year old Genk defender filled in at both roles and put up a very good performance. His performance made the coach to push Abdullahi Bewene who distinguished himself at right back against Portugal to move up to an attacking role.
Bewene who started off as a winger before he was moved to a right back at the camp of the Nigeria U17 four year ago, showed no sign of a player playing out of position.
His performance has further gave Chelle a lot of options going into the game.
Mohammed Mowiz Suleiman
