TheCable

Visas of the Nigeria Football Federation(NFF) officials to France and the rest of Europe has been finally granted by the French Embassy,  following pleas to revoke initial denial.

Earlier, Super Eagles’ assistant coaches and backroom staff were denied entry into Europe, for friendly matches against Mali and Luxembourg.

Mohammed Sanusi, the federation’s general-secretary, however pleaded with the French embassy to “reconsider its stance and issue visas” to the officials.

“They are going to Europe for very important assignments as the two matches are key to the preparation of the Super Eagles for future engagements,” he had said.

Imama Amapakabo and Kennedy Boboye, the assistant coaches and Chris Anozie, the team physiotherapist, were among those issued visas, and immediately departed the country via the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on Tuesday night.

Dayo Achor, team administrator; Ibrahim Gyaran, the team doctor and Chidi Ngoka, equipment officer left Nigeria on Monday night.

Achor from the team’s camp in France on Tuesday evening said that all players, coaches and backroom staff were being expected at the team camp on Wednesday, ahead of Friday’s clash with Mali in Rouen.

Ogenyi Onazi, Nigerian midfielder, is leading eight other players who will travel with the assistant coaches and other backroom staff from Abuja on Tuesday night.

Others are Ikechukwu Ezenwa, a goalkeeper; Elderson Echiejile, Musa Muhammed, Abdullahi Shehu and Kingsley Madu, all defenders and Etebo Oghenekaro, Aminu Umar and Brown Ideye, who attack for the team.

Of the original 26 players that were listed by Salisu Yusuf, the interim head coach for the games against Mali and Luxembourg, the NFF has released John Mikel Obi and his Ahmed Musa for former captain Joseph Yobo’s testimonial game in Port Harcourt on Friday, May 27th while Chidozie Awaziem, a defender is in doubt.

Aaron Samuel and Victor Moses will not be playing the match.

William Troost Ekong, another defender will be on duty for his Norwegian club on Thursday and is only in consideration for the match against Luxembourg in Luxembourg City on Tuesday, May 31.

Carl Ikeme, England-based goalkeeper, and Daniel Akpeyi, South Africa-based goalkeeper, will be flying in, while Kenneth Omeruo, Gbenga Arokoyo and Leon Balogun, are expected to join the team.

Wilfred Ndidi, Raheem Lawal, Kelechi Iheanacho, Moses Simon, Odion Ighalo and Alex Iwobi are also expected in camp by Wednesday morning.

The Super Eagles take on Mali at the Stade Robert Diochon in Rouen on Friday, before traveling to Luxembourg City on Saturday, ahead of the game with Luxembourg at the Josy Barthel Stadium on May 31.