Coach Stephen Keshi’s replacement for the injured Elderson Echiejile, Chrisantus Ejike Uzoenyi, resumed training with the rest of the World Cup squad on Thursday evening.
The Enugu Rangers winger arrived Sao Paulo 4pm (local time) to a rousing welcome from his team-mates on his arrival at the Campinas base on Wednesday evening.
Speaking before his departure on Tuesday, the 2014 African Nations Championship (CHAN) MVP, who has already been given the NO. 3 shirt previously worn by Echiejile, extended solidarity to the injured Monaco defender.
“I really feel sad that Elderson will not be part of the team to the World Cup because he is a very important member of the squad. I truly feel sad for him. At the same time on a personal note for me, it is good to be back in the team and it offers me another chance to impress the coaches and my country,” he told the NPFL official website, adding he is now focused on the team rather than personal glory.
“I don’t want to dwell on what happened before but I want to work hard and help the team go as far as possible. It is the World Cup and anything can happen. I’m only concerned with us doing well and making our fans and country proud.”
Nigeria kick-off their campaign against Iran on Monday before playing against Bosnia-Hercegovina and Argentina.
