The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has clarified that it is not considering relocating the Super Eagles' upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier to Lagos. Following the team's disappointing 0-3 loss to Guinea-Bissau in Bissau, the NFF is preparing to ensure a better outcome in the remaining games. The federation is currently planning to host the first leg of the tie in Uyo on November 11, with the return leg scheduled for November 15 in Zanzibar.
Despite reports suggesting that the NFF was considering the newly renovated Teslim Balogun Stadium in Lagos as an alternative venue, a top official from the federation has denied these claims. The official, who wished to remain anonymous, stated that taking the team away from Uyo could be counter-productive, as they would have to adjust to a new venue in a competitive game, which could negatively impact their performance.
The NFF official emphasized that the team has been playing in Uyo for over a decade and that relocating to Lagos would require careful consideration. The official also noted that the Teslim Balogun Stadium is not yet ready to host any games, as Lagos State still needs to complete the renovation work. The NFF will inspect the stadium and advise on its suitability once the work is completed.
The Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo has a history of hosting important Super Eagles fixtures, including a 2-2 draw against South Africa in an AFCON qualifier on November 19, 2014. The team has also played competitive home matches in other cities, including Lagos and Abuja, demonstrating that alternative venues are possible.
The NFF and the Super Eagles' technical crew, led by Coach Eric Chelle, have started monitoring players in his pool to determine their availability for the upcoming games. The team will invite players based on their availability and the FIFA window for the games. The NFF will release the names of selected players five days after learning of the approved date for the first leg of the game from CAF.
The specific program for the matches will be determined by the FIFA window for the games. The NFF official stated that the date for players to start arriving in camp would depend on the date approved for the first leg of the game by CAF. The team will prepare for the back-to-back matches, taking into account the availability of players and the approved dates.
The Super Eagles' technical crew is working to ensure that the team is well-prepared for the remaining AFCON qualifiers. With the team's current situation, the NFF is taking a cautious approach to avoid any potential setbacks. The federation will prioritize the team's performance and make decisions that will benefit the team in the long run.
Key points
- The NFF has denied reports of relocating the Super Eagles' 2027 AFCON qualifier to Lagos, citing concerns about the team's adjustment to a new venue.
- The team has been playing in Uyo for over a decade and will likely continue to host games there.
- The NFF will inspect the Teslim Balogun Stadium in Lagos once the renovation work is completed to determine its suitability for hosting games.
