7th June, 2013
Eight players from the Globacom-sponsored Nigeria Professional Football League, NPFL, are among the 23 Super Eagles players that would represent Nigeria at the Brazil 2013 Confederations Cup, which kicks off on 15 June.
In the Nigeria’s list, which is already on the website of FIFA on Friday, are the trio of Chigozie Agbim, Sunday Mba and Eze Emeka of Rangers International of Enugu. Two players from Sunshine Stars of Akure; Godfrey Oboabona and Solomon Kwambe.
Others are Egwuekwe Azubuike of Warri Wolves, Gambo Mohammed of Kano Pillars and Benjamin Francis from Heartland F C of Owerri.
The 15 foreign-based players are Vincent Enyeama, Elderson Echiejile, John Ogu, Ambrose Efe, Ahmed Musa, Brown Ideye, Joseph Akpala, John Mikel Obi, Fegor Ogude, Anthony Ujah, Babatunde Michael, Austine Ejide, Ogenyi Onazi, Nnamdi Oduamadi and Kenneth Omeruo.
Meanwhile, Eagles’ group foes, Tahiti were the first to touch down in Brazil ahead of the world championship. Drawn in Group B at the Festival of Champions, they will play Nigeria’s Eagles, who are African champions in their opening match at the Estadio Mineirao, Belo Horizonte, on 17 June. Three days later, they take on the reigning world and European champions Spain at the Maracana in Rio de Janeiro.
Wearing striking red and white floral shirts, the Tahitians stepped off their plane at the city’s international airport in the early hours of Friday.
Coach Eddy Etaeta said he was delighted to be in Brazil, adding that the Confederation Cup is a bigger tournament Tahiti will be participating in. The coach reveals his ambition to win the hearts of local fans.
“We are very pleased to be here in Brazil for the FIFA Confederations Cup, which is a massive event for Tahitian football,” said Etaeta. “We hope to get a warm welcome, win the hearts of the people of Brazil and get their support.”
In their final group game on 23 June, the champions of Oceania take on 2011 Copa America winners Uruguay at Recife’s Arena Pernambuco.
—Adebobola Alawode