Why we are still testing players – Keshi

SUPER Eagles Coach, Stephen Keshi, said he had continued to call up new players for the team because he wants to build a strong national team.

Keshi said he was satisfied by the performances of the new players he used against Burkina Faso in an international friendly match on Tuesday.

The coach believes the team is gradually taking the shape Nigerians want.

Nigeria defeated Burkina Faso 4-1 in the game played at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium, Kaduna.

'The match is not about scoreline… I am giving other players the opportunity to prove themselves. That is why Shola and some other players were featured.

'It's all about how we can maintain our shape in the team and also be tactical,' he said during the post match press conference.

'I am happy with the game against Burkina Faso. On Saturday, we saw a lot of fatigue and double marking in the team. I want to say that we saw the same thing in the team that played against Burkina Faso. But, I am happy we are on course. We still have a long way to go,' he said.

Also speaking on the game, Kaduna State Governor Mukhtar Ramalan Yero expressed satisfaction on the outcome of the match, saying that with the level of performance by the players, the chances of Nigeria qualifying for the World Cup is bright.

Yero commended the level of security during the game, while also expressing satisfaction on the level of support by Kaduna fans.

He said: 'We shall continue to ensure that matches involving the Super Eagles are played in Kaduna. The security in the state is excellent, I can assure you that.'