— Today is arrival deadline
The Super Eagles’ squad left Lagos for Atlanta, United States yesterday for the international friendly against their Mexican counterparts taking place in the American city.
The Nigerian delegation is headed by president of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Alhaji Aminu Maigari, while chairman, National Sports Commission and sports minister, Malam Bolaji Abdulahi, is expected also for the game. Head coach, Stephen Okechukwu Keshi, has been in the States vacationing with his family and is ready for the showdown.
Those on the Delta Airline flight to the United States were assistant coach Dan ‘The Bull’ Amokachi, Hyaondounou Valere and Ike Shorunmu, the goalkeepers’ trainer. Others were team doctor, Ibrahim Gyaran; physiotherapist, Wale Oladejo; psychologist, Dr. Robinson Okosun; Chidi Ngoka, equipment manager; ACP Abubakar Baba, chief security officer; NFF protocol man, Emmanuel Ayanbunmi and media officer, Ben Alaiya.
Four players on the trip to the US were CHAN2014 Man Of The Tournament, Ejike Uzoenyi, leading the likes of defence ace Azubuike Egwuekwe, Ebenezer Odunlami and midfielder, Shehu Abdulahi, for the Grade A friendly.
The delightful thing for the team, however, is the fact that teenage central defender, Kenneth Omeruo, has not only returned to top flight football in the English championship with Middlesborough but was also named the Man of the Match in the weekend’s game against Sheffield United, which his side lost 0 – 1.
“We are simply delighted at the performance of Kenneth and the coach is glad that he has started to do those things that he is noted for”, team administrator, Dayo Enebi Achor, had enthused on his way to the US.
Achor, departed Nigeria on Saturday and by Sunday evening he was on the same flight with Chelsea midfield star, John Mikel Obi to the United States for the friendly.
“I was on the same flight to the US with Mikel and Victor Moses is expected on Monday like all other players, because the coach has said he wants all his players in by Monday,” he said.
Wednesday’s friendly is expected to be played at the Atlanta Georgia Dome with both countries parading their potential World Cup squads for the encounter.
