Ademola Olajire, the Assistant Director, Communications, Nigeria Football Association (NFA), on Friday said the Super Eagles would commence their final preparations for the Brazil 2014 World Cup on May 26.
Olajire in Abuja said that this was because most of the team’s players would still be engaged with club activities up till then.
“The players will be busy with their clubs until the middle of May and can only be available towards the end of May.
“So, the team cannot be expected to be in any serious preparation for the World Cup finals until then,’’ he said.
Olajire said Nigeria’s training for the mundial would commence when most league competitions in Europe must have been concluded.
“The players are expected to arrive the team’s camp in the U.S. on May 26, two days to the international friendly with Scotland.
“Right now, the players are still committed to club activities until the second week of May when most the leagues in Europe will end.
“The players will have about two weeks’ rest period before May 26 deadline for arrival in camp,’’ he said.
Olajire said competition for places in the team had become more intense as players have been seeking to impress team head coach Stephen Keshi for possible invitation.
Meanwhile, two club managers in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) have urged Keshi to avail himself the opportunity of watching matches in the domestic league.
Mr Felix Anyansi-Agwu, Chairman of Enyimba International FC of Aba, said talented players abound in the league and could still be identified if Keshi adequately monitored the competition.
“We have good players in the league with what Nigeria did at the African Nations Championship (CHAN) in South Africa last January,’’ he said.
Mr Paul Ozor, the General Manager of Rangers International FC of Enugu, also urged Keshi to make use of the available time to scout for more home-based players.
He said such players would be placed on standby as the team finalised its preparations for the World Cup.
Ozor said the players Nigeria took to the 2014 CHAN were not the best the country could produce.
“The World Cup is a different ball game. It is where the country’s best players will be needed,’’ he said.
The Super Eagles, in addition to the Scotland friendly in London, will also face Greece and the U.S. in preparation for the World Cup. (NAN)
