SAM SODJE STILL REARING TO GO

The English Coca-Cola Championship and Nationwide League One seasons ended last weekend but while most players in those divisions are already rushing off to fancy holidays in exotic places, Super Eagles hard as nail defender Sam Sodje is still training hard to stay fit, in anticipation of a call to duty when the Super Eagles resume in a fortnight for a clutch of three games in a spcae of about just one week.

Nigeria's Super Eagles have games against an as yet unnamed African country on May 28 as part of Nigeria's government's inauguration celebrations and a few days after that, they play a high profile friendly against Argentina on June 1 before heading off to Addis Ababa to tackle Ethiopia in a 2012 African Nations Cup qualifier. Sam, who played a vital role in saving cash strapped Notts County from relegation to League two has postponed all vacation plans, and refused to take a break like most of his mates as he awaits a call up by Coach Samson Siasia to play a part in the games to come.

"When Siasia was in England recently he told me that I am still in his plans, so I am happy to wait a call up from him to play for my nation. There has been wild celebrations here in Nottingham as Notts County survived relegation only on the last day, but I have not been a part of it because I want to remain in shape for the up coming games.

"With three games in a short space of time, I am sure that I will get a chance to play a prominent role in them. Every time I have played for the Eagles I have always done very well. Only God knows why I have not played as often as my performances deserve but I realise that the team is full to the brim with top quality players. Competition is what makes a team tick and I enjoy the competition in the Eagles, that's why I always give my best whenever I get a chance.

Asked of his chances in such a high profile game, hard as nails Sam boasted that he has played in big games for Nigeria and excelled, and this one will be no different. " I played against The Republic of Ireland in 2009 at Craven Cottage and I did very well. A few days later. I played in the team that beat a star studded France on their home soil and I held my own against Thiery Henry and co. I'm a big game player and Argentina do not scare me," declared the former Reading FC and Charlton Athletic stopper.