Nigeria Arrive Cameroon for 33rd AFCON, Set for Another Podium Appearance

• The Super Eagles have been camping in Abuja in preparation for the AFCON which kicks-off on Sunday January 9
• Nigeria landed in Cameroon missing key players in Victor Osimhen, Emmanuel Dennis and Odion Ighalo who have all been excluded from the team
• The Super Eagles of Nigeria have been victorious at the AFCON on three occasions in 1980, 1994 and 2003

The Super Eagles of Nigeria have landed in the Cameroonian town of Garoua, venue of their Group D matches of the 33rd Africa Cup of Nations commencing in that country on Sunday, January 9.

Team officials confirmed that the three-time champions will have their first training session in Cameroon on Thursday evening.

Nigeria is grouped alongside seven-time champions Egypt in group D who they open their campaign against on January 11th. The Super Eagles will also confront Sudan on 15th January and Guinea-Bissau on 19th January.

The contingent was flown into Garoua aboard an Air Peace jet, arriving at 11.05pm and the team of 25 players and officials are staying at the Hotel Ribadou. Two players, Italy based Tyrone Ebuehi and fellow wing back Jamilu Collins, who plays in Germany, are both expected to team up with the delegation in Garoua. Forward Odion Ighalo is no longer expected as a result of issues with his Saudi Arabian club.

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While addressing the players just before the team jetted out of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja on Wednesday evening, General Secretary of the Nigeria Football Federation, Dr Mohammed Sanusi reiterated his conviction that the 27 players Nigeria would be fielding at the championship are good enough to lift the trophy and earn a fourth triumph for the country.

“I wish you good luck at the tournament on behalf of the Government and people of Nigeria. We know how professional you are and we know you will take the same temperament to the AFCON. We pray against injuries and covid-related health issues.

“The NFF is ready to give you all the support that you need, on behalf of the Government of Nigeria. The NFF President, Mr Amaju Pinnick who is also a member of the AFCON Organizing Committee will join you in Cameroon in two days time. Some of us will also be coming to give you the necessary support and encouragement.”

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Skipper Ahmed Musa, who was part of the squad that won the trophy in South Africa nine years ago, said he is confident that the Super Eagles will return to Nigeria with the trophy on 6th February.

Al-Shaba fail to release Ighalo

Sports Brief rarlier reported that the director of communications of the Nigeria Football Federation, Ademola Olajire, has confirmed that striker Odion Ighalo will not be part of the Super Eagles squad to AFCON 2021.

In an interview with sports radio station Brila fm, Olajire disclosed that the player’s Al-Shabab club of Saudi Arabia says he won’t be released.

This is a setback for interim coach Augustine Eguavoen who will be looking to leading the team to winning their fourth continental title.