Moses return makes Keshi's job easier

Keshi spoke on Thursday of the difficulties involved in guiding Nigeria, whose fans anticipate success at big tournaments even if the Super Eagles have not lifted a trophy since their African Cup triumph in 1994.

That victory came during a golden period for Nigerian football, which saw them regularly compete for top honors on the world stage.

Keshi, the captain in 1994, hopes to lead Nigeria back to those former glories, and welcomed Moses after the Chelsea midfielder missed the 1-1 draw with Burkina Faso on Monday.

"He's been training well since after the game against Burkina Faso, so hopefully he's going to be intact for tomorrow," Keshi said.

Nigeria lacked incision in that game, dominating possession but failing to create clear-cut opportunities, for which they paid a heavy price when the Burkinabes equalized in stoppage time.

The return of Moses, who took full part in training on Thursday, should add some invention to the youthful team that Keshi is attempting to build for the future.

"In Nigeria, for years we have had a standard in African football and in world football, and Nigerians relate that to those years when we had a wonderful time in football," he said. "I don't blame them. We still have that, but to reach that level again we need to build and develop to get there.