By Johnny Edward:
Mikel Agu has confirmed Sunday, November 11 as his arrival date to the national team camp for preparations for the 2019 African Cup of Nations qualifying match against the Bafana Bafana of South Africa billed for Johannesburg on Saturday, November 17, 2018, reports Completesportsnigeria.com.
The combative player, making his return to the Super Eagles after he was dropped on the eve of the 2018 FIFA World Cup, insists he’s upbeat about making a remarkable impression on the team’s handlers to merit a starting spot.
“I’ll be in Camp by Sunday. Fortunately, my club’s next game against Fierense is fixed for Friday so I can leave and get to Nigeria by Sunday. The game is important because the South Africans came here to beat us so it is payback time for them when we go over there,” he told Completesportsnigeria.com on Tuesday.
“On a personal note, I also want to seize the chance to impress the coaches and establish myself in the team. The World Cup is in the past and this is a new dawn and I want to be a part of it going forward.”
The 25year old was again in impressive form for Vitoria Setubal at the weekend, providing the assist for Eber Bessa to score even though they lost 2-1at second-placed Sporting Braga.
It was a fourth straight full game for the FC Porto loanee who’s now one of the mainstays for the modest 10th-placed Setubal.
Agu joined Setubal on loan on transfer deadline and his now one of the key reasons they went four games unbeaten before last Sunday’s loss at Braga.
His fine form was repaid with a recall to the national team and he’s vowed to carry on with his club form.
He said: “For club and country, I just want to give my best each time I put on the shirt. I want us to win against South Africa and we are in the best position possible going there so we need to take our own pound of flesh back.”
Nigeria lead Group E with nine points from four games, one ahead of South Africa with Libya third on four points and bottom-placed Seychelles on one point.
Libya and already relegated Seychelles will do battle in the other group game.
The Super Eagles are also billed to play an international friendly against the Cranes of Uganda in Asaba following their return from South Africa.