NFF waits on French embassy, plans Monday departure for home-based Eagles

Ademola Olajire

If all works as planned, the home-based contingent for the Super Eagles’ international friendly games against Mali and Luxembourg will depart for France on Monday, next week, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has revealed.

Nigeria will meet Mali in France on May 27 and battle with Luxembourg on May 31 in the European country.

Speaking on the preparations for the matches, NFF Deputy Director, Media, Ademola Olajire, said arrangements have been concluded for the departure on Monday, adding, however, that the federation was still waiting on the French Embassy to issue visas to remaining members of the team.

According to Olajire, “We have resubmitted applications for those the French Embassy earlier rejected their requests and hopefully we will get the documents before Friday.

“We have secured visas for coaches Salisu Yusuf, Alloy Agu, the team doctor and some other back room staff. But Goalkeeper Ikechukwu Ezenwa and some other members of the contingent have not been issued the documents.

“We are hopeful the Embassy of France will issue visas to the player and officials because they are going for two matches that are key to the preparation of the Super Eagles for future engagements.”

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

After Mali match on May 27, the Nigerian contingent will move to Luxembourg from Rouen in France, he added.