By Lekan Olanrewaju

Coach of the Nigerian national football team has stated that he is “not bothered” by the country’s dip in the latest FIFA World Rankings. In an exclusive interview with All Africa, Super Eagles coach Stephen Keshi said “I am not bothered about the Super Eagles’ rankings; my goal is to win all my games as the coach of the team”.

He also said that the team, who received their worst ranking in 12 years by dropping out of the top 50 to 56, are ready to face Amavubi come Wednesday. “About the team’s preparedness for the Rwanda match, I would like to let you know that the lads are ready” he said.
Keshi, who has also coached Mali and Togo in the past, has been lauded by ex-internationals and fans for building the team around locally based players.

He however said he was not sure how many would start in the game on Wednesday. “I don’t know how many home based players will start against Rwanda yet” he said. “I have not made my first eleven because I’m waiting for the pros to join camp.”

Keshi, who was captain of the squad for the 1994 FIFA World Cup has played in five different African Nations Cup tournaments and helped win the 1994 Nations Cup.

Wednesday’s match is part of the 2013 African Cup of Nations qualifiers and will be Keshi’s first official game for the Eagles.