Home-based Eagles land in US ahead of Mexico clash

The home-based squad of the Super Eagles has landed in Los Angeles, US, ahead of the international friendly game against Mexico.

The arrival was announced in a statement sent to TheCable by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) media department on Thursday.

According to the statement, the Nigerian delegation includes 22 players and a number of officials, who travelled alongside Mohammed Sanusi, the NFF general-secretary.

TheCable had earlier reported that the team would be led by Austin Eguavoen, NFF technical director, instead of Gernot Rohr.

During one of their training sessions, the Franco-German was pictured lounging in the spectator stands while watching proceedings.

The development had provoked a lot of criticism for Rohr who has been faulted for his little regard for footballers who ply their trade in the local league.

It had also attracted the ire of Sunday Dare, minister for youths and sports development, who lashed out at Rohr.

Last week, 25 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) footballers were called to camp in Abuja. The number was then trimmed down to 23 players.

The match is scheduled to kick off by 8 pm at LA Coliseum, Los Angeles, on July 3, which translates to 4 am on July 4 in Nigeria.

Ikechukwu Ezenwa, Heartland FC goalkeeper, could not make the trip after picking up a knock in training. He was replaced with Joshua Oluwayemi, a Tottenham Hotspur’s U23 goalkeeper.

The youngster is expected to join the team in the US on Friday.

EAGLES IN AMERICA:

Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabili (Lobi Stars); John Noble (Enyimba FC)

Defenders: Olisa Ndah (Akwa United); Adekunle Adeleke (Abia Warriors); Tope Olusesi (Rangers International); Enyinnaya Kazie (Rivers United); Imoh Obot (Enyimba FC); Tebo Franklin Degaulle (Nasarawa United); Lawal Oriyomi Murtala (Kwara United)

Midfielders: Anthony Shimaga (Rangers International); Seth Mayi (Akwa United); Uche Onwuasonaya (Plateau United); Ibrahim Olawoyin (Rangers International); Anayo Iwuala (Enyimba FC)

Forwards: Stephen Jude (Kwara United); Charles Ashimene (Akwa United); Chinonso Ezekwe (Rangers International); Auwalu Ali Malam (Kano Pillars); Neurot Emmanuel (Plateau United); Abdulmutalif Sanusi
(Katsina United); Mohammed Zulkifilu (Plateau United); Sunday Adetunji (Rivers United)