The Super Eagles are in high spirits as they face Bafana
Bafana in Wednesday’s friendly in the coastal city of Durban
Nigeria arrived in Durban on Monday morning ahead of
their Nelson Mandela Challenge game against South Africa at the Moses Mabhida
Stadium on Wednesday evening.
A full strength squad led by coach Stephen Keshi has
arrived the coastal city as the Super Eagles warm up towards September’s 2014
World Cup qualifier against Malawi.
Only three players, Chelsea duo of John Mikel Obi and
Victor Moses and Valerenga's Fegor Ogude are expected on Tuesday morning in
Durban in time for the prestige friendly.
Keshi arrived with four players from the Nigerian league
- Chigozie Agbim, Azubuike Egwueke, Sunday Mba and Godfrey Oboabona.
He told local media on arrival that he hopes to give the
South Africans a good game to honour Nelson Mandela, one of Africa’s foremost
nationalists.
At the team's Southern Sun hotel lodge, several invited
players were already in their rooms. Among the early birds were late call ups,
Chippa United’s James Okwuosa and Free State Stars’ Gege Soriola, who are both
based in South Africa. There was also Obinna Nsofor, Elderson Echjiele, who
were the first Europe-based players to arrive Durban.
Other early comers included Uche Nwofor, Efe Ambrose,
Ogenyi Onazi and Brown Ideye. By lunch time, Newcastle United striker Shola
Ameobi arrived with stand-in skipper Austin Ejide.
Ameobi said he was happy to rejoin his teammates after
missing the last Africa Cup of Nations due to issues in his contract.
The Super Eagles will have their first training session
later in the evening at 7:30 (6:30pm West African Time). The team will train at
the same time on Tuesday before the cracker against Bafana Bafana on Wednesday
at 8:15pm.
Tickets for the game have been pegged at between
R50-R200.
The last time Nigeria played at the Moses Mabhida Stadium
in February, they defeated Mali 4-1 in the semi final of the Africa Cup of
Nations on their way to winning the title for a third time.
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