Onazi expected as Eagles prepare for Swaziland
Super Eagles coach, Sunday Oliseh, is expecting only three players in the camp as preparations for the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifying match against Swaziland on Friday in Lobamba intensify.
Italy-based Ogenyi Onazi, Portugal-based defender Abdullahi Shehu and US-based forward Obafemi Martins were being expected.
The strike action embarked upon by workers of Lufthansa Airlines delayed the arrival of the players. The Nigeria Football Federation, though, have rebooked the players on British Airways.
In camp are captain Ahmed Musa, goalkeepers Carl Ikeme, Ikechukwu Ezenwa and Dele Alampasu, defenders Efe Ambrose, Austin Oboroakpo, Chima Akas, Jamiu Alimi, Kalu Orji, Godfrey Oboabona, Wilfred Ndidi and Elderson Echiejile, midfielders Paul Onobi, John Mikel Obi, Sylvester Igbonu and Rabiu Ibrahim, and forwards Odion Ighalo, Ezekiel Bassey, Kelechi Iheanacho, Alex Iwobi and Moses Simon.
According to thenff.com, officials of National Football Association of Swaziland confirmed on Tuesday that landing permit for the chartered flight, which will fly the Nigeria delegation to Swaziland, has been secured.
The ARIK Air Boeing 737-800 aircraft is expected to depart from the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja at 7am on Thursday, and will land at the Matsapha International Airport by 2pm same day.
Super Eagles’ players and officials will stay at The Sun Hotels, while the official training at the Somhlolo National Stadium, Lobamba has been set for 7pm on Thursday.
The match between the Super Eagles and the Sihlangu Somnikati will kick off at 7pm on Friday, November 13, with Germain Koole of Benin Republic as the referee.
He will be assisted by compatriots Bienvenu Dina and Sena Ulrich Houedin while Gustave Eugene Tohouegnon will be the fourth official.
Mohamed Bahou from Morocco will be the referee assessor with Zambian Joseph Nkole as match commissioner.
The Nigeria delegation will depart Swaziland immediately after the match and fly to Port Harcourt for the return leg on Tusday, November 17.
The winner of the tie will go straight into the 20-team mini-league phase beginning in 2016.
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