Jordan was a ‘good experience’ for Nigeria, says Stephen Keshi

The head coach of the Super Eagles has said he is unfazed about his team’s defeat to the Jordanian football team

Nigeria coach Stephen Keshi has revealed that Monday’s international friendly against Jordan was a good test for his boys as they prepare for next year’s Championship of African Nations billed for South Africa.

In an exclusive interview with Goal at the Muritala Muhammed International Airport on arrival from the Middle East, the former national team skipper admitted that he is not worried that they lost to Hossam Hassan’s men but insisted that his target is to ensure Nigeria performs well at CHAN 2014.


“Friendly matches are not all about winning. It’s about assessing the players on how they can perform and also to examine how quick they can adapt to the tactics and system the coach is playing. Besides, the game has nothing to do with our ranking with Fifa,” Keshi told Goal.

“It was a good experience for the boys [not minding] the fact that we had just three days to train and 18 hours journey to contend with which I think is too much for the players who are very young.  The boys have learnt a few things from the encounter which I think they will benefit from. ”\

The Africa Cup of Nations winning coach hinted on the probable date the home based Eagles will resume camp for their debut appearance in next year’s CHAN.

“Hopefully, we will resume camp sometime in December if all things go on fine. Nigerians should keep praying for us that everything should go on fine,” he concluded.