21st May, 2014
The Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, has explained the rationale behind the choice of Ahmadu Bello Stadium in Kaduna as the venue for next week’s friendly match between the Golden Eaglets and their Egyptian counterparts.
The double-header contest will take place on 28 and 30 May as part of both teams’ preparation towards their forthcoming 2015 African U-17 qualifying match slated for July.
Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, Director of Competitions of the NFF explained that the choice of Kaduna was strategic, adding that the opportunity would allow the Golden Eaglets to play under different conditions and atmosphere since their crucial competitive matches are around the
corner.
“The NFF decided to take the Golden Eaglets to Kaduna since work is still going on at the Abuja National Stadium and we want the match to be played under a conducive environment in order to keep exposing the players to different situations,” he said.
He added: “The people of Kaduna are so desirous of watching the national Under-17 team since they won the FIFA Under-17 World Cup in the United Arab Emirates last year.
“So allowing the new team being put together to play in Kaduna is symbolic and we are confident that the fans would turn out en mass to support them.”
Meanwhile, the Golden Eaglets as well as their Egyptian counterparts would expectedly travel down to Kaduna on Monday. The Egyptian Football Federation (EFA) had in an earlier correspondence with the NFF hinted that a of 33 persons made up of 25players and eight officials would touch down at Abuja International Airport aboard Egypt Air Number 877 en route to Kaduna.
The Golden Eaglets would also visit Cairo in July for a two-match friendly against the Egyptians.