Ahead of Saturday’s 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying game against the Taifa Stars of Tanzania, a delegation of Super Eagles and accompanying officials is to out of Abuja at 3pm tomorrow to arrive at the Julius Nyerere International Airport, Dar es Salaam at 10pm (8pm Nigeria time) same day.
Spokesman of the Nigeria Football Federation, Ademola Olajire, confirmed yesterday that the Nigerian delegation will arrive the East African nation at 10pm (8pm Nigeria time) same day.
“Nigeria’s delegation will be made up of 23 players, technical officials, a number of members of NFF Executive Committee and Management, NFF Staff, some representatives of the media, football stakeholders and members of the Nigeria Football Supporters Club,” stressed Olajire in a statement yesterday.
Nigeria and Tanzania have not met at senior level since December 1980, but there have been clashes at junior level, and an African Women Championship qualifying fixture, in recent years.
Meanwhile, immediate past Super Eagles Captain, Joseph Yobo, has tipped new national team Head Coach, Sunday Oliseh, to succeed in his current assignment. This is even as he has rallied support for the team ahead of the Tanzania game.
Speaking from his base in USA, Yobo pointed out that Oliseh has all it takes to excel with the Super Eagles.
His words; “When I broke into the national team, Oliseh was the captain. He was one of those who helped to put me through those early days.
His leadership qualities were outstanding. He was really charismatic. One key thing is that he is very passionate about the game. You remember when he was ill and defied doctors’ orders to play and save Nigeria against Senegal in 2000?
“It is that passion that will see him do well as the national team coach. One other thing is that he is so knowledgeable about the game. He has played football at the highest level with very reputable clubs. There is a lot that the young boys will learn from him. I sincerely see him doing well with the team. He needs our support”.
As the Super Eagles confront Tanzania this weekend, he has urged the entire nation to support Oliseh and his wards.
“This first game is very important. I am happy that the NFF made provision for the team to depart with a chartered aircraft. It was very painful that we did not qualify for the last AFCON. We have to put that behind us now and forge ahead. We have a new coach and he needs our support”, he added.
He was not finished; “Even if the result is not as palatable as we desire, we have to be patient with him. If the team does not play as well as we want, we should also remember that this is a new coach. It will take a while for him to impart his philosophy in the players. It is a gradual process but I know he will surely do well”. Agency report
