Super Eagles media officer, Toyin Ibitoye has disclosed that the players who arrived at their camp in Asaba, Delta State on Monday undertook a session in the gym because they know it is always a useful routine.
Although Ibitoye acknowledged that full training and technical planning would commence early Tuesday, he pointed out as well that sessions in the gym have always been part of the Eagles’ regular schedule.
Footballllive.ng gathered further that a total of ten players, who arrived at various points on Monday, took to the gym on their own, as they went for what the medical crew tag ‘warming-down’ sessions.
Ibitoye said: “The team started preparations on Monday with a session in the gym. They will commence training on the pitch with two sessions on Tuesday, in the morning and evening.
“They will also have two on Wednesday, and one on Thursday, in the morning, before travelling to Johannesburg on the same day, at 5pm.”
The Eagles’ routine can be supported by a recent declaration of a fitness coach and director of sports performance for Major League Soccer (MLS) side, Houston Dynamo, Paul Caffrey, who stressed that players need all-around fitness to be successful on the field, starting in the gym.
Caffrey sees the core as a major component when looking to improve balance, posture, power, and overall functionality, along with agility, endurance, and speed.
He added: “Any good soccer workout focuses on core and leg strength, power, and speed.
“But, it’s no easy task to accomplish all those at once, especially if, like most guys, you don’t have 24/7 access to a soccer field.
“The stronger you are, the faster you’ll be—core strength is a big part of that.”
