Eagles depart today, as Kenya names new coach
By Christian Okpara
NIGERIA'S delegation to the crucial South Africa 2010 World Cup qualifier between the Harambee Stars of Kenya and Super Eagles billed this weekend are expected to depart for Nairobi today aboard two chartered flights.
The Guardian learnt that the delegation would travel aboard Arik and Chachangi airlines provided by the Presidential Task Force on Eagles qualification for the World Cup and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) respectively.
An official of the NFF told The Guardian yesterday that the team would arrive in Nairobi this evening and begin final preparation for the game, which could determine whether Nigeria would make the World Cup or not. The official, who pleaded anonymity, said the decision to travel today was reached when it became obvious that going to the high altitude of Kenya less than 10 days to the game would work against the players' fitness.
"Our plan is to dash into Kenya, play the match and come back before the weather condition will start working against the boys. That was what Tunisia did when they played the Harambee Stars early this year," he said.
All the players invited for the encounter arrived the team's Abuja camp on Tuesday and joined in the first full session the same day at the Aguiyi Ironsi Barracks. Vincent Enyeama, Yakubu Aiyegbeni and Obafemi Martins, who were not part of the first training session on Tuesday morning, arrived early enough to join Nwankwo Kanu and 18 others in the evening session.
The other players in the camp are goalkeepers Bamidele Aiyenugba and Greg Etafia, defenders Taye Taiwo, Dele Adeleye, Onyekachi Apam, Elderson Echiejile, Joseph Yobo, Obinna Nwaneri and Chidi Odiah. The midfielders are Yusuf Ayila, Seyi Olofinjana, Mikel Obi, Olufemi Ajilore, Kalu Uche and Osaze Odemwingie, as well as forwards Joseph Akpala, Michael Eneramo and Obinna Nsofor.
Meanwhile, following the refusal of Kenya's German coach, Antoine Hey, to join the Harambee Stars in camp, Football Kenya Limited (FKL) has mandated assistant coach Twahir Muhiddin to take over the team. Hey stayed away from the team following a disagreement with FKL over the recall of Edgar Ochieng and Jamal Mohamed to the team without his consent.
And to exert his authority, Muhiddin recalled Mathare United's midfielder Titus Mulama to the training camp in readiness for the massive showdown against the Super Eagles this weekend. Mulama last played for Kenya in the second group of the qualifiers during the home match against Zimbabwe in Nairobi, which Kenya won 2-0.
The 29-year-old midfielder returned to rejoin Mathare United after a spell in Sweden with Vasteras. The Harambee Stars now have a full house of players after the arrival of Musa Otieno and Dennis Oliech on Tuesday night.
