SUPER Eagles players on Tuesday expressed their admiration for the new, improved playing surface of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja as they intensified preparations for the Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup playoffs against the Black Stars of Ghana.
At their first training session ahead of the double-header, captain Ahmed Musa, deputy captain William Ekong, defender Abdullahi Shehu and forwards Odion Ighalo and Victor Osimhen expressed delight with the improvements of the turf.
Musa told thenff.com: “The turf is looking and feeling really nice and wonderful. I want to thank the honourable minister and the ministry officials for a job well.”
Shehu added after Thursday night’s training session: “This turf is excellent; it is among the best that I have seen anywhere.
“We are pleased with what we are seeing and it is a positive development.”
On his part, forward Odion Ighalo said: “Ah, I am excited with the feel of the turf. There is nothing to complain about,” while Ekong added: “This is really nice. The turf feels good and we are happy that our request for the turf to be put in great shape was heeded by the Sports Ministry.”
Napoli striker Victor Osimhen also commended the playing pitch. “I love it. It is really nice and it allows the ball to roll very well.”
During a hybrid meeting (physical and virtual) with the Honourable Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare, and top officials of the Nigeria Football Federation last month, the players had specifically requested that the turf of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium be put in great shape for the World Cup playoff tango with the Black Stars.
Nigeria host Ghana at the newly renovated stadium next Tuesday, four days after the first leg in Kumasi.
The winners will earn one of Africa’s five tickets to the World Cup in Qatar, which is scheduled for 14 November to 18 December.
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