World Cup Playoffs: Super Eagles Begin Training For Ethiopia

The Super Eagles will this afternoon have a feel of the newly re-grassed Abuja National Stadium ahead of Sunday’s first leg playoffs of the Brazil 2014 World Cup qualifier against the Walya Antelopes of Ethiopia.

The Eagles will confront the Antelopes in the first leg billed for Addis Ababa, Ethiopia and Secretary General of the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, Barrister Musa Ahmadu has said that he hopes to have a full house before this afternoon’s training session.

“We have written to the National Sports Commission, NSC, and they have given us the go ahead to make use of the Abuja National Stadium so we hope the Eagles can train on it on three occasions before jetting out for Ethiopia.”

Coach of the reigning African champions, Stephen Keshi, who once coached the Hawks of Togo, disclosed that he hopes all the invited players hit camp in good time and are injury free.

According to Keshi: “We need the concentration and support of all to reach our goal and I know that everyone here is a thoroughbred professional and will give that to the team and the Nigerian people,” he said.

In the meantime, Chelsea midfielder Mikel Obi arrived the Eagles’ training camp in Abuja Tuesday morning, while Ogenyi Onazi, Spain-based Nosa Igiebor and Efe Ambrose from Scottish club Celtic are expected.

CSKA Moscow forward Ahmed Musa has told MTNFootball.com Nigeria will show their class in a 2014 World Cup playoff in Ethiopia on Sunday.

Ethiopia welcome the African champions on Sunday in a final battle for a place at next year’s World Cup in Brazil.

There has been a lot of talk leading up to this match, but Ahmed Musa has insisted the best effort should be reserved for match day and on the pitch.

Meanwhile, Coach Stephen Keshi has said he hopes that three full training sessions in Abuja will be enough to prepare his team for Sunday’s showdown in Addis Ababa.

He also said he expects all 23 players to be at the first training.

Meanwhile, to ensure that the Eagles are adequately motivated for the all important cracker, Director General of the NSC, Gbenga Elebeleye has hinted that “a Presidential package” has been planned for the Eagles’ on qualification.

President Jonathan has already approved funds for 200 fans to cheer the team in Addis Ababa on Sunday.

In February, the President rewarded the team with hefty cash gifts, plots of land and national honours after they won a third Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa.

—Adebobola Alawode