The
Nigeria Football Association (NFA) on Wednesday said the Super Eagles would
open camp in Abuja on Sunday, Oct. 6 for preparations against the Walya
Antelopes of Ethiopia.
Musa
Amadu, the association’s Secretary-General, in Abuja said that Nigeria could
not afford to take things for granted in the crucial World Cup playoff.
The
first leg tie of the 2014 Brazil World Cup Playoff between Nigeria and Ethiopia
will hold in Addis Ababa on Sunday, Oct. 13.
Amadu
said the Eagles would be expected to train in Abuja from Oct. 7 to Oct. 11,
before departing for Addis Ababa aboard a chartered flight on Oct. 12.
He
said the NFA was liaising with the National Sports Commission (NSC) to make the
Abuja National Stadium available for the Eagles to train in.
“This
game is very critical to us and we are giving it all the seriousness it
deserves. We
are doing all we can to secure entry visas for the delegation and team officials
before departure.
“You
know the Ethiopians are eager to qualify for their first-ever World Cup finals
and, because they are playing against the African champions, they will prepare
seriously,’’ Amadu said.
He
added that arrangements had been made for the Nigerian Ambassador to Ethiopia
to meet with the country’s advance party in Addis Ababa, before the arrival of
the main delegation.
“This
will enable the Nigerian contingent to put all necessary requirements in place
before the match, so as to enhance Nigeria’s chances of picking the maximum
points at stake,’’ the NFA secretary-general said.
He
disclosed also that the NFA was working towards making the return leg game in
Calabar on Nov. 16 an easy game for Nigeria.
Super
Eagles’ head coach Stephen Keshi had on Sept. 20 released a 23-man list for the
Oct. 13 match against Ethiopia.
There
were no new additions to the squad which defeated Malawi 2-0 in Calabar, as
Keshi decided to stick with the same team which secured the playoff berth.
The
list has goalkeepers Vincent Enyeama, Austin Ejide and Chigozie Agbim, as well
as strikers Ahmed Musa, Brown Ideye, Shola Ameobi, Emmanuel Emenike, Obinna
Nsofor and Uche Nwofor.
The
defenders are Elderson Echiejile, Francis Benjamin, Efe Ambrose, Solomon
Kwambe, Godfrey Oboabona, Azubuike Egwuekwe and James Okwuosa.
The
invited midfielders are Mikel Obi, John Ogu, Ogenyi Onazi, Nosa Igiebor, Victor
Moses, Sunday Mba and Nnamdi Oduamadi.
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