By Our Reporter 10-6-2025
Nigeria Football Federation president Ibrahim Musa Gusau said the recent Unity Cup in London and the international friendly against Russia in Moscow have been helpful in the team’s preparations for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers.
The Super Eagles triumph in the Unity Cup featuring Ghana, Trinidad and Jamaica and also played out a 1-1 draw with the Russian team, games Super Eagles regulars did not participate.
“I can tell you categorically that we achieved our sporting objectives, which were the most important in this case,” said Mr. Gusau.
“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.
“I had some conversations with Coach Eric Chelle and I could see that he was pleased with the opportunities that the tournament in London (Unity Cup) that we won, and the friendly match with Russia that we drew, provided for him and his assistants.”
He noted the games afforded the coaches to see other players and what they are capable of doing.
“Apart from the regulars that we already know what they are capable of, 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. The home-based professionals (Papa Daniel Mustapha, Ifeanyi Onyebuchi, Collins Ogwueze) did not fare badly either.
“In Russia, we saw more of Uche and we saw Tolu Arokodare score a poacher’s goal. Goalkeeper Maduka Okoye was also excellent on his return and captain Ekong held the defence unit 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.
“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.”
