NFF rues Belgian embassy attitude as Enyeama arrives camp

In from Nifemi Daniel … .
The Nigeria Football Federation has lamented the failure of the Belgian embassy in Nigeria to issue entry visas into that country for players and officials of the Senior National Football Team of Nigeria for two friendlies this week.
According to Chairman of the NFF Technical and Development Committee, Chief Felix Anyansi-Agwu, the action of the Belgium Embassy is tantamount to jeopardising the Eagles’ preparations.
International passports of some Super Eagles players and officials are still at the Belgian embassy, less than 48 hours before a high –profile international friendly against the Democratic Republic of Congo, which has been approved by world body, FIFA. The Eagles are also to play against bitter rivals Cameroon on Sunday in Dendermonde.
“We are shocked beyond words at the attitude of the Embassy of Belgium in Nigeria. This action is a strange one in international sports. Football preaches and spreads peace and love, but we are taken aback at the attitude of the Belgian embassy in Nigeria.”
“This attitude of the Embassy of Belgium in Nigeria is not known to international sports. Our team’s preparedness for the only preparatory games ahead of the beginning of FIFA World Cup qualifiers has been unduly hampered. The team’s medical crew and other critical backroom staff are held back in Nigeria.
“This action is not just against a Football Federation; it is against an entire nation.”

Read also: Eagles get new venues for Belgium friendlies

Meanwhile, the arrival of Super Eagles captain, Vincent Enyeama, sparked up excitements in the team’s camp in Belgium on Tuesday as players and official received the goalkeeper who buried his mother at the weekend with a loud ovation.
Enyeama joined the team Tuesday afternoon before training session at the R. Battice ground while defender Abdullahi Shehu from Uniao da Madeira in Portugal had arrived in camp on Monday night.
Turkey –based defender Godfrey Oboabona and six home–based players (held up in Abuja alongside other officials due to non-issuance of visa by the Embassy of Belgium) are still being expected as Tuesday night.
Accoring to the team’s administrator, Enebi Achor, the team is hopeful that Oboabona (also having visa issues in Turkey) would arrive on Wednesday, while also believing the Belgian embassy would issue visas to home –based professionals and other officials by Wednesday.
“The atmosphere here is very conducive for the players. The city is so quiet and serene, the hotel is marvelous and the training ground has been commended by all the players,” he said.
PLAYERS IN BELGIUM:
Vincent Enyeama, Carl Ikeme, Leon Balogun, Abdullahi Shehu, Elderson Echiejile, William Troost Ekong, Efe Ambrose, Ogenyi Onazi, Obiora Nwankwo, John Mikel Obi, Rabiu Ibrahim, Ahmed Musa, Emmanuel Emenike, Sylvester Igbonu, Moses Simon, Odion Ighalo, Alex Iwobi.
EXPECTED:
Godfrey Oboabona, alongside six home –based professionals still yet to be issued visas in Abuja.

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