Super Eagles’ assistant coach, Daniel Amokachi has expressed concerns over his players’ fitness level ahead of the international friendly matches in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
The home-based Eagles will play matches against Mali and Cote D Ivoire and the players, who resumed camp on Tuesady and had their first training session on Wednesady.
But Amokachi, who supervised the training session, revealed that the players lack fitness.
He also said that the team has a limited time to train before travelling for the games, stressing that the coaching crew will work hard on their fitness.
“There was rustiness among the players. If the league is not on you don’t get players who are fit.
“It is unfortunate for us because we have seven days to train before we travel for both matches. The first match is on January 11.
“As footballers we will try our best to bring them (players) to a level we think they would be fit enough to play the game,” Amokachi said.
The former Super Eagles striker also said the idea of using home-based players for matches has helped in discovering more talents.
He added that he enjoyed working with the players invited for camping.
“This is not my team. I am standing in for my boss Stephen Keshi. He is still my boss. I am here to do a job as a coach.
“We have new players coming into the team. It is good to work with young players who are ready to learn and ready to get to the next level in their football career.
“Since Keshi get on board this programme has been on and it has helped us a lot and it will continue to help us.”
