Ambrose Vanzekin Photo: Sun News Publishing

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It would be fight-to-finish in all the departments as the Beijing-bound Dream Team IV start the last phase of their training for the Olympics in South Korea beginning from this week.

The battle would be hotter in the goalkeeping department with the inclusion of Super Eagles’ keeper, Vincent Enyeama in the team, as Ambrose Vanzekin has vowed to keep him on the bench throughout the tournament.

In a recent chat with Daily Sunsport, Vanzekin said Coach Samson Siasia and his crew’s decision to bring the more experienced Enyeama into the squad does not shake him at all. He vowed to be in goal for the team in Beijing starting from their opening match.

"Most Nigerians had expressed concern over the inclusion of Enyeama into the team, but I am not perturbed in any way," Vanzekin began.
"I am confident that when the competition starts, the technical crew will have no excuse to displace me as the team’s first-choice goalkeeper.
"I am not saying here that Enyeama is not a good goalkeeper, but I am special to this team that no one can displace me from my position.
"In fact, I have respect for Enyeama as the best goalkeeper that have featured in the colours of the national team in recent times. But Olympic Games is not for the people of his calibre. It is for younger ones like me. And again, we, the core members of the team understand ourselves better," he added.

Meanwhile, Siasia had expressed satisfaction with the response and commitment exhibited by his players so far. Speaking to Daily Sunsport, the coach said: "I am happy with the players’ progress and general performance of the team. The boys are responding very well and their spirit is high."
According to him, the training sessions had proved quite rewarding.
"It’s important for the boys to play together for them to understand themselves and blend properly for the big stage. With better understanding, the team can give any opposition a run for their money at the Olympics."

On the team’s preparedness for the Beijing showdown, the coach remarked succinctly: "Tactically, we have to be very sound. As you are aware, we are going to play against great players from great countries from around the world. So, we have to blend well in order to be sound to withstand the challenges ahead."

On Ambrose Efe rejoining the team in training after he was diagnosed of heart problem and the conflicting reports that had followed the case, Siasia said that everybody in the team was rallying round Efe in order to boost his morale, adding that but for the medical report, nobody would have agreed or knew that Efe had a health problem.
"We feel for him because he is such a dynamic player."
On the choice of his over-aged players, which include Ikechukwu Uche, Vincent Enyeama and Obinna Nsofor, Siasia said that they were all ready to play except for their club engagements, which they’re trying to sort out.

"You have to be nice to over-aged players and as well, apply diplomacy while dealing with their clubs.
"I spoke with Vincent, Victor and Ikechukwu and they will join us in Korea. They are all willing to play," he said.
The coach, however, ruled out the possibility of Danny Shittu joining the team.
"I like Shittu as a player, but he has not been playing for a while, so how can he play in the next three weeks with the team?" he queried.

He insisted that he’s trying to instill enthusiasm and doggedness into his players.
"I want to instill in the boys the John-Terry-kind-of spirit."
On the team’s planned trip to Korea, Siasia said that they were trying to get their acts together for the trip in order to fine-tune the team’s cohesion. But he added that time was not really on their side again.
"If we don’t leave latest by Monday (today), the trip would be of no use to us," he revealed.