By Toby Prince
Photo: @nff
After weeks of camping, the Super Eagles of Nigeria finally arrived Dar es Salaam late hours of Friday, the city to host the all important 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against the Taifa Stars of Tanzania.
The three-time African Champions were given a five-star welcome after landing in the Tanzanian commercial capital via a chartered flight from the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja at about 9:56pm (Nigeria time).
According to thenff.com, the Nigerian team were accompanied by a 110-man delegation led by President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Amaju Pinnick; League Management Company (LMC) boss, Dr. Shehu Dikko, and former NFF President, Aminu Maigari.
Also on the entourage are NFF Executive Committee Chairman, Felix Anyansi-Agwu; Head of the Nigeria Football Supporters Club, Dr. Rafiu Ladipo and Honourable Bukola Olopade, a former commissioner for sports Ogun State.
Journalists and members of the Supporters Club are also on the delegation.
Photo: @nff
On arriving the Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam, stand in captain, Ahmed Musa, expressed optimism about his team’s chances and promised nothing short of victory come Saturday.
“We are here to win. That is the spirit of the Super Eagles of Nigeria,” Musa told journalists at the airport.
The CSKA Moscow ace maintained his team were ready for the task ahead, disclosing that there is a new belief among the players.
“Of course, we respect the Taifa Stars, but we do not fear any team. I can tell you that there is a new mentality in this team and our focus is the three points available on Saturday.”
The players were later seen going around for a team walk “to loosen up” around the Hyatt Regency Hotel which is stone-throw from the 60,000 National Stadium, venue of the game.
They will have their first official training at the National Stadium by 4.30pm on Friday according to the Tanzania Football Federation.
Photo: @nff
