World Cup Qualifier: Frenzy In Calabar

Victor Moses

Victor Moses

The traffic of visitors to the Transcorp Metropolitan Hotel, Monday, where the Super Eagles are camped for Saturday’s Brazil 2014 World Cup qualifier against the Harambee Stars of Kenya could be described as unprecedented.

Victor Moses: brace saved Nigeria
Victor Moses: brace saved Nigeria

Checks by our sources in Calabar have it on good authority that football fans have been hovering around Canaan City to catch a glimpse the stars as the Europe footballers hit town today.

Nigeria's defender Ambrose Efe
Nigeria’s defender Ambrose Efe

Chidi Asoluka, who is presently undergoing his Post Graduate Diploma, PGD at the University of Calabar informed P.M.NEWS Sports early today that fans are waiting with bated breath to see some of their darling stars, who they only watch on television, playing for their European clubsides.

It was also gathered that as early as 7a.m. some football fans had besieged the Abraham Ordia Sports Complex inside the University of Calabar to see the team train, but they left disappointed after they were informed that the morning training session had been called off by the technical crew.

Media Officer of the Eagles, Ben Alaiya disclosed that Tuesday’s morning training session was cancelled because Chief Coach Stephen Keshi says he wants a full house, adding that the evening session would still hold as scheduled.

According to Alaiya: “We would have a full house for Tuesday’s evening training and from there we’ll see how ready the players are for the task ahead”.

John Mikel Obi
John Mikel Obi

As at the time of filling this report, the number of foreign-based players in camp have increased to four, which include: Israeli-based keeper, Austin Ejide, bulky Ukraine-based left sided midfielder Babatunde Michael, Velaranga of Norway combative midfielder, Fegor Ogude and Vincent Enyeama.

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Meanwhile the Kenyans are expected to hit Lagos Wednesday, as team sponsors East African Breweries will give the team an official send off at the Serena Hotel Tuesday at lunch time.

According to the Kenya FA, the team will take off at 0800hrs aboard a Kenya Airways flight from Nairobi and are expected to land in Lagos by midday.

The team will then be flown to Calabar where the match will take place.

The Stars who performed poorly in their opening two Group F matches, only picking one point, will be looking to win to boost their chances of progressing in the qualifiers.

Nigeria top the group, while Kenya are placed bottom.

—Adebobola Alawode

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