Victor Anichebe insists he can handle the pressure

Mar 26 2008 by Ian Doyle, Liverpool Daily Post

VICTOR ANICHEBE is confident he can “handle the pressure” of international football as he prepares to finally commit his allegiance to Nigeria today.

The Everton striker is expected to make his debut for the country’s under-23 team in their final Olympic qualifier against South Africa in Abuja.

Anichebe, who is also eligible to represent England, has been called up for previous Nigerian squads but has yet to make an appearance.

However, the 19-year-old is almost certain to be handed a starting place in what will be his first formal outing for the country.

Nigeria will qualify for the men’s tournament at the Beijing Games in August if they beat the visitors, but any other result would see Ghana progress.

And Anichebe said: “I can handle the pressure. International football is not easy; but if the manager picks me, all I can do is go there and do my best.

“I hear that people will be expecting a lot from me, but I am just another footballer like the rest of the lads and all we can do is do our jobs properly without thinking about pressure. I know there are some very good footballers in the team and I am looking forward to being part of that.”

Anichebe was omitted from the Africa Cup of Nations squad in January by the now departed Berti Vogts, but Olympic coach Samson Siasia has had no qualms turning to the Everton teenager.

And Anichebe has already made a positive impression on only his second call-up in Nigeria itself.

“He was a bit worried when I told him the temperature was around 38 degrees Celsius,” said Olympic team secretary Shola Ogunnowo to KickOffNigeria.com.

“But when we went for training, he did very, very well and the coaches were very impressed with him.

“He has a good attitude and he is mixing well with his team mates. I am sure that if the coach picks him to start, he will do very well.”

With James Vaughan recovering from an operation and Andrew Johnson fighting to recover from a groin strain, Everton will hope Anichebe returns home unscathed ahead of Sunday’s Merseyside derby at Anfield. Everton are still waiting on the results of scans from Tim Cahill’s foot injury before ascertaining the length of any absence for the Australian.

Meanwhile, Nuno Valente increased his chances of a weekend outing with a 45-minute appearance for the reserves against Bolton Wanderers last night.

The Portuguese left-back has made just one first-team appearance in the past seven weeks in the 6-1 UEFA Cup win over SK Brann.

EVERTON defender Jack Rodwell scored for England under-17s last night as they drew 1-1 with France in the UEFA European U17s Championship Elite Round Group Three qualifier in Tel Aviv.

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