Nations Cup Qualifier: Eagles Camp Opens 6 January

By Adebobola  Alawode

In its bid to ensure a healthier competition for shirts in the new look Super Eagles under Coach Samson Siasia, the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, has  concluded plans to open the team’s camp on 6 January 2011 in preparation for the African Cup of Nations qualifier against Ethiopia.

The Media Officer of NFF, Demola Olajire, said the 6 January date is tentative for the home-based players to hit the camp ahead of the Nations Cup qualifying   match against Ethiopia in Abuja early next year.

He revealed that the NFF will leave nothing to chance to ensure that the Eagles qualify for the 2012 Nations Cup, hence the need for  early preparation.

He said that the board of the NFF has resolved that no player of the senior national team, whether home-based or foreign based, would play for the country  without fighting for his shirt.

On Siasia’s tour of Europe, Olajire said the former Nigerian international is making progress because he is on a mission to rebuild the team. The Image Maker  said the former Nantes of France striker was forced to cut short his tour as a result of the climate in Europe and that the soccer tactician had travelled to  the United States of America, USA to meet with his family for the yuletide. Olajire also revealed that Siasia’s assistants would be named immediately he  returns to the country in a forthnight.

The Eagles are currently placed second in Group B with three points from two matches behind group leaders, Guinea, who have six points from two matches.

Nigeria’s next opponents, Ethiopia are third with three points, while Madagascar are last on the table with no point from the same number of matches.