After a comprehensive 4-1 semi-final victory over the Aiglons of Mali on Wednesday in Durban, South Africa, the Super Eagles of Nigeria have quickly put the victory behind them as the team arrived Johannesburg, South Africa on Thursday afternoon to begin preparations for the final on Sunday at the Soccer City in Soweto.
The team arrived Johannesburg at about 1:45pm local time aboard a South Africa Airways plane.
In the plane with the team were the Nigeria Football Federation Executive Committee member, Deji Tinubu; the NFF’s Technical Director, Dr. Emmanuel Ikpeme; and Special Adviser to Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola of Lagos State, Prince Wale Oladunjoye.
The team was immediately ferried to its abode at Garden Court Milpark from the airport and after having lunch, got set for the day’s business of training.
The team had its first training session at 6:30pm local time, which is 5:30pm Nigerian time, with Head Coach, Stephen Keshi, saying there is no time to waste ahead of Sunday’s all important final, which is expected to be watched by several Nigerian and international dignitaries, including Nigeria’s President, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan; FIFA President, Sepp Blatter; and South Africa’s President, Jacob Zuma.
Keshi has meanwhile said there should be no panic over the duo of Victor Moses and Emmanuel Emenike, who picked up knocks in the semi-final duel against Mali.
“The medical team here is working round the clock to ensure that they will be ready for the final on Sunday and they will advise us on what to do at the appropriate time,” he said.
The President of the NFF, Alhaji Aminu Maigari, has assured the Super Eagles that all Nigerians would be mobilized to back the team in Sunday’s final and urged the team not to rest on its oars until the trophy is won.
Maigari said: “The win over Ivory Coast is history.
“Same for the one over Mali.
“Now the trophy is within reach and I must urge you to go ahead and do the nation proud.
“And like President Goodluck Jonathan said, leave the rest to the government and people of Nigeria.”
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