Akinwunmi spoke against the backdrop of the inability of the U-20 National Team, the Flying Eagles; and the Senior Women Team, the Super Falcons, to meet the expectations of Nigerians at their respective FIFA World Cup competitions.
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SS Lazio of Italy playmaker Onazi, who has been a fixture in the Super Eagles’ midfield for the past few years, was shown a straight red card for retaliation after Nigerien referee Ibrahim Mamane awarded Nigeria a penalty kick for a foul on striker Odion Ighalo
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the Super Eagles had to overcome an average first half performance to win the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier
A second half strike by Warri Wolves attacker, Gbolahan Salami, and a spot kick by Watford of England danger man, Odion Ighalo, gave the day to the Nigerian side
The sports chief, who was the former Director of Grassroots Programmes in the NSC, said it was important for the commission to focus on grassroots development in the country
The Confederation of African Football had appointed Gnali as well as fellow Nigeriens Sadissou Idi (Assistant Referee 1), Abdoul Aziz Moctar Saley (Assistant Referee 2) and Gomno Daouda (Reserve Referee) to take charge of the Group G match
It will also be the first international match at the venue since the U-20 National Team, the Flying Eagles, earned a 4-0 win over their Tanzanian counterparts in a qualifying match for the 2015 African Youth Championship in May 2014
“Personally on behalf of this team, my share of the bonus for the match against Chad will be paid into the orphanage account for education of the kids, to encourage them to push on
The social work and fans open sessions will still take place inside the main bowl of the Abuja National Stadium, but the time has been adjusted to 3.30pm on Saturday
Meanwhile, the current edition of the World Ranking reveals two changes in the top 10, with Belgium overtaking Argentina to move into second place, their highest-ever position since the launch of the world ranking
“Coach Stephen Keshi wants the Super Eagles to get closer to their fans and also be more socially responsible,” Media Officer, Toyin
Ibitoye, disclosed to thenff.com”The team has been involved in some social work in the past but he wants them to be more visible now and he has approved some of the programmes that will make the team to be better appreciated by their fans,” Ibitoye added
Spotlight FC, which is in the Round of 32 of this year’s Federation Cup competition after defeating Idah United FC in the Round of 64, will try the Super Eagles B for strength as part of activities marking the commissioning of the brand-new, 35,000-seater Karkanda Stadium located in the capital city
The three-time FIFA World Cup star is joined by defenders Godfrey Oboabona and Kenneth Omeruo, midfielders Ogenyi Onazi and Babatunde Michael and forward Ahmed Musa, who were all at last year’s FIFA World Cup finals in Brazil
The Super Eagles, currently camped in Abuja for preparations ahead of the June 13 AFCON qualifiers against Chad in Kaduna, will leave for Katsina on Sunday through Kano, have a feel of the new pitch on Monday before playing the friendly on Tuesday
“You will not lack anything in New Zealand and I believe you will deliver,” he assured the team.
The General Secretary also commended the coaches and backroom staff for doing well thus far, saying the sky will be just their stepping stone
Ibitoye named Chibuzor Okonkwo, Chidiebere Eze, Rabiu Ali, Ezekiel Mba, Mfon Udoh and Esosa Igbinosa as those who had arrived
“It is important that they come to camp and concentrate. We don’t want distractions, especially with the team scheduled to play a number of friendly matches in the weeks to come before the qualifier against Chad.
Record scorer in the Nigeria elite division, Mfon Udoh is accompanied by former junior international goalkeeper Ikechukwu Ezenwa, Nelson Ogbonnaya, Nathaniel Joseph and Moses Ekpai Ubong
Meanwhile, the top 17 positions are unaltered from last month, which means that Germany (1st, unchanged) continue to lead the way ahead of Argentina (2nd, unchanged) and Belgium (3rd, unchanged)
“However, we must say at this stage that the proposal is still at the level of discussions and nothing concrete has been agreed as to when the match will hold. We are awaiting feedback from the FA and will report on the outcome accordingly