The Super Eagles of Nigeria will depart Abuja today (Sunday) for Guinea-Bissau for the away leg of their 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match against the Wild Dogs on Monday, March 27.
The Eagles were dealt a shock 1-0 defeat at the hands of the underdogs at the Moshood Abiola stadium in Abuja on Friday.
According to a statement released to the press by the Nigeria Football Federation, the Nigeria delegation to Monday’s match in Bissau will depart from the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja at 7am on Sunday aboard a chartered flight.
The return leg of the fixture will be played at the Estadio 24 de Setembro and is scheduled to begin by 6pm (Nigeria time).
Meanwhile, team captain Ahmed Musa apologized to the NFF and Nigerians for the defeat and assured fans that the players are ready to redeem themselves in the return match.
NFF President, Ibrahim Gusau announced on Saturday while speaking to the Eagles that total commitment to the national team will now be a key factor, apart from competence and current form, for any football player who wishes to wear the nation’s jersey at any level.
“Let us be very clear about one thing: no player will ever be encouraged against his wish to wear Nigeria’s colours at any time. If an invitation is extended to you at any time but you are not physically, psychologically or mentally up to it, you are free to decline.
“Nigeria demands good performances and positive results from any of the teams going forward. I was sorely disappointed by your performance against Guinea Bissau and I know that Nigerians at home and in the diaspora are more than disappointed. Things must change starting with the return match in Guinea Bissau on Monday. Our country is too big to be getting these poor results at international level.
“Total commitment that we can see in your body language and output will now be a key factor in who wears Nigeria’s jerseys. If some players are not ready to give their all at a particular time, others will be and will deliver for our country,” a disappointed Gusau said.
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