The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has disclosed that the Super Eagles would have their training sessions at the reopened Abuja National Stadium ahead of a 2014 World Cup play-off in Ethiopia.
“We have already written to the NSC for use of the refurbished main bowl of the National Stadium, Abuja for the team to train between Monday and Friday, before the departure to Ethiopia on Friday night,” General Secretary of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Musa Amadu, said.
Amadu said the NFF are leaving anything to chance for the game.
“Yes, we believe that the Super Eagles, champions of Africa, will come out of Addis Ababa with a good result, but we are not taking the match lightly,” he said.
“We do not subscribe to the suggestion that all we need do is turn up in Ethiopia and we would decimate the opposition without lifting a finger.
“There is this cliche that there are no longer minnows in international football. That is why the NFF is making all the arrangements to prepare the Super Eagles adequately for the match, and ensure the team travels in comfort to and from Ethiopia.”
Top Nigeria supporter Rafiu Oladipo said the Eagles should expect a difficult game in Ethiopia.
“That we are the African champions is a fact, and that Ethiopia is lowest-ranked African side remaining in the race is also a fact. But we are not going to look at those statistics and discountenance the Antelopes. The Addis Ababa Stadium is one of the most difficult venues for visiting teams in African football,” he said.
“We know that the coaches are working to pick our best and strongest players to play that match. It is very important for us to get the 2014 FIFA World Cup ticket because next year marks 100 years of the amalgamation of our country and every Nigerian is looking forward seeing the Super Eagles at the World Cup in Brazil.”
