Ikechukwu Uche Photo: Sun News Publishing

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Super Eagles forward, Ikechukwu Uche, has sent a goodwill message to the national Under-23 team in the forthcoming Beijing Olympic Games.

The Getafe of Spain goal poacher was one of the three over-aged players listed by coach Samson Siasia in his 22-man squad for the world sports fiesta but he was stopped by his club just like Super Eagles Israel-based goalkeeper, Vincent Enyeama.

"I am still feeling bad that I will be missing the Olympic Games. It would have been a great honour for me to represent my country in Beijing. I would have loved to be there but it was unfortunate that my club refused to let me go. It’s not my fault. I want all my fans at home to reason with me and understand why it happened the way it did. All the same, my heart is with the team and I pray for them to come out victorious after the Olympic Games," Uche said in regret.

He disclosed that he was currently preparing with his team for the next season.
"I’ve been playing pre-season matches with my club in Spain in preparation for the new season. I have a little knock but I am confident I will be ready when the La Liga begins in a couple of weeks time."
Nigeria's quest to repeat her performance of the 1996 Atlanta Olympics is about to be realised again with the killer squad, Coach Samson Siasia assembled in South Korea for the football event of the Olympic Games in China.

Former Green Eagles player, Monday Eguavoen said the quality of players put together by Siasia is the best Nigeria can present considering their pedigree and performance so far in the European leagues.
Eguavoen,who is the Chief Coach of relegated Kwara Utd, said the like of Osaze Odemwingie, Ambrose Vanzekin, Efe Ambrose,Dele Adeleye and others were reliable players who would deliver any day, if the atmosphere and conditions were right.

He commended the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) for blocking all the loopholes at the initial stage of the U-23 preparation, adding that the spirit in camp of the boys was a big booster to Nigeria’s performance. He called on Nigerians to support the team to win gold.
The former Flash Flamingoes, Abiola Babes and Leventis Utd player, however, warned the players not to underate their opponents at any level of competition.

On Kwara Utd,the Edo born coach said,the task before them was to ensure promotion of the club to premiership. He called on all the stakeholders to support the coaches and the entire team to excel.
He described Ilorin people and their fans as hospitable,stressing that his few days in the state has endeared him to the people as sports loving and peaceful.