22nd May, 2012
After two days of delayed arrival, Nigeria’s Super Eagles finally landed in the Peruvian capital, Lima, on Monday evening at about 5:41pm, few minutes to 12a.m. Nigerian time on Tuesday (today).
The team that departed Madrid, the Spanish capital at about 12:13p.m. Nigerian time yesterday arrived into the warm embrace of an expectant Peruvian media.
It would be recalled that the players and officials were forced to sleep at Madrid International Airport after their flight from Lagos to Madrid on Sunday night was cancelled by Iberia Airline officials, following a drug courier hoopla by officials of the Nigeria Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
On arrival at the Lima International Airport, the team were led to Sheraton Hotel abode in the centre of the city, where they were welcomed by early birds, Nwankwo Obiorah, Gege Soriola and Nnamdi Oduamadi, who had earlier arrived for the friendly from their various clubsides abroad.
Spain-based Raheem Lawal was expected to join the party today, while Ekigho Ehiosun was part of the 18 players and officials that arrived from Madrid on Monday evening. Head Coach, Stephen Keshi, was happy that all the invited players have responded quickly and after dinner, asked the players to take a deserved rest from the rigours of the journey, while setting training for 7:30p.m. on Tuesday evening.
Meanwhile, soccer loving Nigerians itching to watch their darling team against Peru will have to keep vigil, as the tie is scheduled for 8p.m. Peruvian time on Wednesday, which is about 2a.m. Nigerian time on Thursday morning.
Eagles Secretary, Dayo Enebi, who was in the advance party for the friendly said the host picked the time that suits them and he expects one of NFF broadcast partners; African Independent Television, AIT, to transmit the game live.