Anichebe focussed on Everton not Nigeria

16 October 2012 18:17

Nigeria striker Victor Anichebe insists he is focused on fighting for his place at Everton and won't be distracted by dreams of playing in the African Cup of Nations.

Super Eagles coach Stephen Keshi revealed Anichebe is in his plans for the Cup of Nations after the Nigerians booked their place in next year's tournament with a 6-1 demolition of Liberia on Saturday.

Nigeria missed out on the 2012 Cup of Nations and the prospect of playing in the forthcoming event in South Africa is appealing to a self-confessed patriot like Anichebe.

But, rather than let thoughts of international heroics cloud his mind, Lagos-born Anichebe is determined to concentrate on nailing down a spot in David Moyes' Everton team after two serious knee injuries and a groin problem wrecked his last few years at Goodison Park.

"The thing with Nigeria is I am a fan and I follow the games and the team have done really well to qualify," Anichebe told EvertonTV on Tuesday.

"They have a great bunch of players there but I'm concentrating on here because this is the first time I've stayed fit for a while.

"I am thinking about Everton: they have stuck by me and helped me get back fit so I'm thinking more about cementing my place in the side.

"The national team aspect hasn't come into my head. I just want them to do well."

Anichebe has scored three times in seven matches for Everton this season and his form has helped the Toffees rise to fourth place in the Premier League.

But he will still have to compete with Nikica Jelavic and Kevin Mirallas for a place in Moyes' starting line-up against QPR on Sunday.

"I think we've done okay: it's been a good start to the season and everyone is on a high and is confident," Anichebe said.

"We need to carry it on though, not get ahead of ourselves and keep playing well."

Source: AFP