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August 01, 2006
Ayegbeni makes Nigeria u-turn
Striker Yakubu Ayegbeni has declared that he is now ready to play for Nigeria.
By Oluwashina Okeleji
BBC Sport, Lagos
Ayegbeni had vowed not to return to the national side as long as coach Austin Eguavoen was in charge, following a dispute before the start of the last Nations Cup finals.
But the Middlesbrough forward told a Nigerian radio station that he has made peace with the coach.
"I never said I won't play for Nigeria any more because Nigeria is my country, my fatherland," he was quoted as saying.
"Whenever they call me, I will be ready to play, as long as I am free."
Regretting Nigeria's absence from the World Cup finals, Ayegbeni said the country must concentrate on lifting a third African title at the 2008 Nations Cup.
"We are blessed with talented players in Nigeria, which most countries in Africa cannot boast of.
"But preparation [for tournaments] has always been our problem.
"If we prepare very well, winning the next Nations Cup or even the World Cup will not be a headache."
Ayegbeni's charge of heart is certain to please Eguavoen, who said he will welcome his return to the Super Eagles.
"He is outstanding for his club and will continue to be invited to the national side," Eguavoen said in May.
"But he cannot insist on a place in the team, because no player is guaranteed a shirt in the Super Eagles.
"Yakubu should bear in mind that one day he would need the national team and then it will be too late," he said in a warning that the striker appears to have heeded.
Posted by Publisher at August 1, 2006 12:54 PM
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