24th March, 2015
Nigeria’s Super Eagles camp in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State is bubbling ahead of their international friendly against the Cranes of Uganda tomorrow.
The friendly is in preparation for both 2017 Africa Nations Cup and 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches coming up later in the year.
Among the early birds from Europe was Odion Ighalo.Ighalo, who joined Watford from Italian club Udinese last July. He has netted 11 goals in 18 games for the English Championship outfit. His arrival increased the number of players at the Le Meridien Hotel in Uyo as at dinner time on Monday.
Defenders Godfrey Oboabona, Kenneth Omeruo, Akeem Latifu, Kingsley Sokari of Enyimba FC. The duo strikers, Michael Babatunde and Ahmed Musa were also already in camp.
Also in camp were Aaron Samuel and Moses Simon while goalkeeper Chidiebere Eze and striker Mfon Udoh were the only two home-based among the early birds of the twenty-eight invited for the friendly tie.
Among the players expected early today are Vincent Enyeama and Ogenyi Onazi
According to Toyin Ibitoye, the media officer of the Super Eagles, all other players were expected at breakfast on Tuesday as all the players are scheduled to begin the training today.
Nigeria will take on the Cranes of Uganda at the Akwa Ibom International Stadium at 6pm tomorrow before travelling to South Africa for their game against Bafana Bafana in Nelspruit on 29 March.
Meanwhile, Uganda Cranes Head Coach Milutin ‘Micho’ Sredojevic has said facing Nigeria will be the best test for his team.
“This game will test our character because the Eagles are a high profile team and facing them at home even makes it the best stage for my players,” said Sredojevic.
The Coach said although the most of the Nigerian players are top stars plying their trade in big European Clubs, his boys will not over respect them. “This is a friendly match which will help us test so many things ahead of the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations and 2018 World Cup qualifiers,” explained the Serbian.