Abuja – Handlers of the Super Eagles on Wednesday in Abuja said no arrival deadline was given to the 21 invited foreign-based Super Eagles players.
The players were invited ahead of the March 25 2017 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against Egypt in Kaduna.
Toyin Ibitoye, the team’s Media Officer, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that most of the senior national male football team players have matches with their clubs this weekend.
Ibitoye said that the matches, which could be in the league and other competitions, would delay the players’ arrival till Monday or Tuesday.
“Their arrival window opened on Monday and we are expecting them from that Monday.
“Our match against Egypt is on March 25 and the players will play league matches on Saturday and Sunday in their various clubs.
“So, we are expecting them to arrive on Monday or Tuesday, before we leave for Kaduna,’’ he said.
Ibitoye disclosed that the team’s handlers had been working to knock into shape the 11 home-based players who survived intense training at the camp, before their foreign-based counterparts’ arrival.
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“Head Coach Samson Siasia is working on their conditioning, passing, ball possession and organsation and other strategies which can give us victory against Egypt.
The team’s spokesman also said there was no injury worries among the players in camp.
NAN reports that Sen. Obinna Ogba, the Chairman, Senate Committee on Youths and Sports, was a surprise visitor to the Super Eagles’ training session at the National Stadium on Wednesday morning.
He had urged the players to see their invitation to the team’s camp as a privilege, and urged them not to disappoint the country as they prepare to face Egypt.
Ogba said the only language Nigerians understood was winning, even though it was impossible to win all the time in sports. (NAN)
