Yet to be fielded Super Eagles midfielder, and Kano Pillars star Reuben Gabriel will make his Nations Cup debut today in the crucial must win encounter against Ethiopia. Gabriel, who is one of the home based Eagles players Stephen Keshi is banking on to prosecute the tournament yesterday pledged to give a hundred and one percent performance for the nation today against the Ethiopians. Gabriel had not been in action since the competition started and has said is ready to prove to the nation in this last group match at the ongoing 2013 Africa Cup of Nations why he was picked in the first place.
In the same vein, Juwon Oshaniwa also promised a better outing since the Super Eagles players are now more mentally and physically prepared for the decisive game. Reuben Gabriel who did not feature for Nigeria in the last two matches said he was fit and ready to face Ethiopia. Today’s encounter will determine Nigeria’s future at the African biggest football showpiece.
He said: “I thank God for everything because it a great opportunity for me to be here. If called upon to face Ethiopia, I will be ready and I know that everybody is ready to give his 100 percent performance to ensure we beat Ethiopia and qualify for the quarter-final. I am fit and ready to face Ethiopia in our next game; I was injured but I am now back and fit for action. I am ready for the match against Ethiopia and by the grace of God, I will not let Nigeria down if picked for the match on Tuesday (today)”, Reuben said.
For Oshaniwa, who said he was also fit for the match, Nigerians should be patient with the Eagles as they have resolved to go far in the competition. “With the support and the prayers of Nigerians, this team will go far in the competition. Nigerians should keep praying for us, and I believe we will be there”, he said.