Former Super Eagles midfielder, Friday Ekpo has advised the current team’s coach, Gernot Rohr to ensure he lines his side out for three top-grade international friendly matches before the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt.
Ekpo stated during a radio sports programme monitored by sports247.ng that he will love to see the Eagles play at least two or three build-up games, to accord the coach opportunities of seeing his players under different conditions and employ various tactical options.
The AFCON 1992 bronze medalist, who scored the first goal in the third place 2-1 win against Cameroon in Senegal, added that he wants to see a situation in which all key players of the Nigerian national team are invited for extensive training towards the competition in Egypt.
However, Ekpo, who made top marks in the Nigerian league before also starring for FC 105 of Gabon during his heyday, added that it would also not be out of place to allow some new players test their abilities as well.
He, however, stressed that it is only through international friendlies before the competition that Rohr would be able to try out new players and see the regulars on their current form, hence his declaration that the coach must ensure he gets Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to assist him.
Ekpo stressed: “We need to see all our best players before the Nations Cup. We can also create opportunities for new players to show what they have to offer. Most importantly, we will need to see the team play two or three top friendly matches before going for the AFCON.”
