Eagles to play Mali, Luxemburg without coaches

Except the Embassy of France in Nigeria have a change of heart, the Super Eagles might play their international friendlies without the coaching and technical crew.

The Super Eagles play Mali’s Les Aiglons in Rouen, France on Friday, 27th May before engaging the National Team of Luxembourg in Luxembourg on Wednesday, 1st June.

The Nigeria Football Federation on Wednesday expressed disappointment following the refusal of the French Embassy to grant entry visas to Super Eagles home-based goalkeeper, Ikechukwu Ezenwa, and the Salisu Yusuf led coaching crew.

NFF officials revealed that Nigeria’s matches against Mali and Luxembourg are being threatened by denial of entry visa to the only home –based player, two coaches and administrative officials of the three –time African champions.

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“We are appealing to the Embassy of France in Nigeria to reconsider its stance and issue visas to these 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,” NFF General Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, said on Wednesday.

NFF protocol officials said that about 60 per cent of the passports taken to the embassy on Friday, 29th April have been returned without visas.

Meanwhile, the NFF revealed that all arrangements for the two matches, including payments for stadia use, training facilities and hotel accommodation have been concluded by the organizers.

 

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