NFF allays fears over security situation in South Africa, Libya

• Super Eagles may meet Spain in friendly
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) says it is monitoring the security situation in South Africa and Libya, who are the Super Eagles’ opponents in Group E of the Cameroun 2019 African Nations Cup qualifying series.

Super Eagles will open their Nations Cup campaign against South Africa on June 10 in Uyo before traveling to Libya and South Africa for the away legs of the qualifiers.

However, the recent xenophobic attacks on foreigners in South Africa recently and the series of terrorist activities in Libya have raised concerns among Nigerian fans on the security in the two countries.

NFF Deputy Director, Media, Ademola Olajire told The Guardian yesterday that the federation was keeping close tabs on the security situations in South Africa and Libya, noting it was too early for such assumptions since the two games were still far away.

He assured that the federation would not compromise the security of players and fans when they are on national assignment, saying that the body would involve the necessary agencies when preparing for the away ties.

“We would keep our eyes open on any security situations that would hinder our players’ performance in any international engagements. Our focus now is on the South Africa game at home… other games would be given keen attention.

“Qualifying for the 2019 AFCON and 2018 World Cup remains the board’s main concern and that is why the NFF accepted Rohr’s request for the Eagles to camp in France ahead of the game against South Africa in Uyo,’’ he said.

Nigeria is drawn in Group E, along with South Africa, Libya and Seychelles for the 2019 AFCON qualifiers.

Meanwhile, the partnership between La Liga and the League Management Company (LMC), which has yielded a few benefits for the NPFL, Rivers United and coaches in Nigeria, according to the Managing Director, International development La Liga, Vincente Casado, may also fetch the Super Eagles a friendly match against Spain, reports footballlive.ng.

Casado said at the weekend that there is a strong possibility of Spain’s La Furia Roja proposing a rematch against Nigeria after the sides’ first competitive meeting at the 1998 World Cup.

Nigeria ranked 64th at the time stunned Spain , who were ranked 14th best footballing nation in the World in the first group D match.

Spain had taken the lead through Fernando Hierro, but Mutiu Adepoju leveled before Raul Gonzalez restored La Furia’s lead.

Spain’s first choice goalie, Andoni Zubizarreta turned Garba Lawal’s effort into his own net to bring the game level before Sunday Oliseh sealed the game with a belter from 25 yards as the three-time African Champion’s secured one of their biggest wins at the World Cup till date; and Spain would fail to progress from the group stages in that edition.