Super Eagles Coach, Gernot Rohr.
Indomitable Lions goalkeeper opts out of game
Players and officials of the Super Eagles will start arriving in Uyo to begin preparations for the first game of their Russia 2018 World Cup qualifying series double header against the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon.
The match will hold at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium on Friday with the reverse fixture billed for Yaoundé four days later. The Super Eagles technical crew led by Gernot Rohr expect all the invited players, except the injured Alex Iwobi, to assemble in the Akwa Ibom State capital today.
Rohr has replaced Iwobi with CSKA midfielder, Aaron Samuel, who was originally on the standby list. Standard Liege star, Uche Agbo, has also been given a call up from the standby list.
The Nigeria Football Federation, (NFF) yesterday said all the logistics have been put in place to ensure the Eagles have no problem during the preparations for the game, adding that the officials were ready for the team’s arrival in the city.
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According to Super Eagles’ Media Officer, Toyin Ibitoye said the invited players would be psychologically equipped for the tie against Cameroon, noting that Mikel Obi, Victor Moses, Ahmed Musa and other players were expected to arrive in Abuja today before traveling to Uyo to commence full training on Tuesday.
Ibitoye said Super Eagles coaches were focused on raising a formidable squad that would defeat the Cameroonians in the double header.
“Because of the short time we have before the match, players are advised to report early in camp to give the coaches enough time to blend the team.
“There are no pressures on anybody as all the tools have been provided for the success of the game. Some players, who are already in town would be in camp on Monday. By Tuesday full training for the game will commence,” he said.
Meanwhile, Cameroon Coach, Hugo Broos, has revealed that one of the players originally slated to be in the Indomitable Lions party to the game, Ajax goalkeeper, Andre Onana, informed him that he did not want to play for the team again.
Broos told the Cameroon media that he omitted the former Barcelona B side’s goalkeeper from his squad because when “I had an interview with André, he said that he no longer wants to be selected with the national team. He wants to concentrate on his club.
“Honestly, I have a little doubt. I think the reason is elsewhere. I am really surprised at his decision.” Onana’s cousin, Sevilla Atletico netminder, Fabrice Ondoa, has been included in the squad list.
Source: G Sport
