10th June, 2014
Adebobola alawode
P.M.NEWS Sports can authoritatively reveal that Ejike Uzoenyi is already airborne on his way to Brazil to replace injured Super Eagles’ leftback, Elderson Echiejile.
Echiejile picked a hamstring injury that ruled him out of the last friendly match the Eagles lost 1-2 to the United States of America, USA on Saturday and the team’s medical have been battling to make him fit before the World Cup kicks off in 48 hours, but his dreams have been dashed.
The Monaco FC of France defender was not in the plane that departed United States of America, USA for Brazil venue of the World Cup early today.
There has been conflicting reports over Echiejile’s availability for the Mundial, but our sources in the camp of the Eagles informed that the former Sporting Braga of Portugal was left out due to a hamstring injury.
The Eagles are expected to land in the South American country this evening, where they will do battle in Group with Argentina, Iran and Bosnia Herzegovina.
Meanwhile, Eagles captain, Joseph Yobo says the players of the Nigeria national team are satisfied with the proposal of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) over bonuses for the 2014 Fifa World Cup finals in Brazil.
Yobo and Chelsea midfielder, John Obi Mikel had earlier met with the top NFF members to demand an appearance fee for the 2014 World Cup.
This is outside the match bonus, which starts at $10,000-a-man for a first round match win, announced for the players for Brazil 2014.
Yobo said the meeting to demand an appearance fee for the players was “peaceful and normal as players need to demand for their rights.”
“That’s very true. I haven’t been around for a while. When I came, I heard about several issues that were going on.
“I have to make sure my players are happy. I am the captain of the national team and if the players are not happy, there is no way I can be happy,” he said.