President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau (MON), has expressed satisfaction with the Super Eagles’ recent performances in the Four-Nation Unity Cup Tournament in London and the international friendly against Russia in Moscow. He described the outcomes as a successful step toward refining the national team ahead of the upcoming FIFA World Cup qualifying matches.
Gusau affirmed that the Federation’s main goals had been met. “I can tell you categorically that we achieved our sporting objectives, which were the most important in this case,” he said. “The principal goal was to provide windows for the coach and his crew to take a look at new players that might be positive additions to the team going forward.”
The Super Eagles clinched the Unity Cup title after a 2-1 victory over arch-rivals Ghana in the semi-final at Brentford’s Gtech Community Stadium on May 28. They then overcame Jamaica’s Reggae Boyz 5-4 on penalties following a 2-2 draw in the final. Days later, the team played out a 1-1 draw with Russia’s national side at the historic Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow, with Tolu Arokodare cancelling out an earlier own goal by Semi Ajayi.
Gusau praised the technical crew, led by Coach Eric Chelle, for effectively utilising the matches to assess both regulars and new faces. “The tournament in London afforded us the opportunity to see players like Benjamin Frederick, Felix Agu, Christantus Uche and Igoh Ogbu. We saw more of Cyriel Dessers,” he noted. “The home-based professionals – Papa Daniel Mustapha, Ifeanyi Onyebuchi, Collins Ogwueze – did not fare badly either.”
The NFF President also commended standout performances during the clash in Moscow. “We saw more of Uche, and we saw Arokodare score a poacher’s goal. Goalkeeper Maduka Okoye was excellent on his return, and captain William Troost-Ekong led the defence well. Now, we have options in defence, midfield and the attack, and I am quite satisfied with the team’s output in the three matches.”
Gusau concluded by stating that the matches had not only boosted team chemistry but also expanded the Super Eagles’ tactical depth. “Now, we have good options in all areas as we look ahead to the FIFA World Cup qualifying matches, and I am certain that the technical crew is happy with that,” he said.
Melissa Enoch
Follow us on:
