BY JOE APU
LESS than 15 days to the Nigeria, Mali encounter billed for France May 27th, the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF has cried out that the Nigerian team has been denied entry visa to France.
The football governing body in Nigeria had therefore appealed to the Embassy of France in Nigeria with regards to issuance of visas to one home based player, two technical staff as well as administrative officials of the Super Eagles ahead of the two international friendly matches in Europe.
According to a release from the NFF signed by Ademola Olajire, the matches against Mali and Luxembourg were being threatened by denial of entry visa to the only home –based player, two coaches and administrative officials of the three –time African champions.
“We are appealing to the Embassy of France in Nigeria to reconsider its stance and issue visas to these officials. They are going to Europe for very important assignments, as the two matches are key to the preparation of the Super Eagles for future engagements,” NFF General Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, said on Wednesday.
NFF protocol officials told thenff. com that about 60 per cent of the passports taken to the embassy last Friday, 29th April had been returned without visas.
The Super Eagles play Mali’s Les Aiglons in Rouen, France on Friday, 27th May before engaging the national team of Luxembourg in Luxembourg on Wednesday, 1st June. All arrangements for the two matches, including payments for stadia use, training facilities and hotel accommodation had been concluded by the organisers.