The Super Eagles delegation left Lagos for Atlanta, United States on Sunday night for the international friendly against their Mexican counterparts.
The Nigerian delegation is headed by NFF President, Aminu Maigari, while Chairman, National Sports Commission and Sports Minister, Bolaji Abdulahi is expected also for the game. Already Head Coach, Stephen Okechukwu Keshi is awaiting the team and his assistants in the United States.
Those on the Delta Airline flight to the United States on Sunday were Assistant Coach Dan ‘The Bull’ Amokachi, Hyaondounou Valere and Ike Shorunmu, the goalkeepers’ trainer. Team doctor, Ibrahim Gyaran, Physiotherapist, Wale Oladejo, Psychologist, Dr Robinson Okosun, Chidi Ngoka, who is the Equipment Manager, ACP Abubakar Baba, the Chief Security Officer, NFF Protocol man, Emmanuel Ayanbunmi and Media Officer Ben Alaiya are also part of the team.
Four players are on the trip to the US, with CHAN 2014 Man Of The Tournament, Ejike Uzoenyi, leading the likes of defence ace Azubuike Egwuekwe, Ebenezer Odunlami and midfielder, Shehu Abdulahi for the grade A friendly.
The delightful thing for the team however is the fact that teenage central defender, Kenneth Omeruo has not only returned to top flight football in the English championship, with Middlesborough but was named the Man of the Match in the weekend’s game against Sheffield United, which his side lost 1-0.
“We are simply delighted at the performance of Kenneth and the coach is glad that he has started to do those things that he is noted for”, team administrator, Dayo Enebi Achor said on his way to the US.
Achor, departed Nigeria on Saturday and by Sunday evening he was on the same flight with Chelsea midfield star, John Mikel Obi to the United States for the friendly. “I’m on the same flight to the US with Mikel and Victor Moses is expected on Monday like all other players, because the coach has said he wants all his players in by Monday”, he said. The duo are expected to be first to be welcomed for the friendly by Keshi.
Wednesday’s friendly is expected to be played at the Atlanta Georgia Dome with both countries parading their potential World Cup squads for the encounter.
