Eagles begin preparation for Russia 2018 World Cup qualifier

The Super Eagles will begin preparation for their Russia 2018 World Cup qualifier against Cameroon today with half of the players invited for the matches already in town

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Nigeria will meet Cameroon min Uyo on Friday and travel to Yaoundé four days later for the reverse leg of the double header. 11 players are already in Uyo for the encounter, which victory will confirm Nigeria’s passage to Russia.

Among the early birds are Leicester City’s Ahmed Musa and Wilfred Ndidi, Mikel Obi, Mikel Agu, William Troost-Ekong, Daniel Akpeyi, Ikechukwu Ezenwa, Odion Ighalo, Oghenekaro Etebo, Dele Alampasu, Eddy Onazi and Elderson Echiejile.

Germany-based defender, Leon Balogun twitted yesterday that he was on his way to Nigeria, Chelsea star, Victor Moses was said to have departed London for Nigeria on Sunday, while Kelechi Iheanacho was reported to have assured Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) officials to he would be in for the team’s first training session today.

While the Eagles are getting ready for the preparations for the game, Cameroon’s striker, Christian Bassogog has thrown a challenge to the Nigerians, saying the Indomitable Lions are coming to Uyo to thrash Gernot Rohr’s men. 

Bassogog told Fifa.com that they would attack the Super Eagles from the blast of the referee whistle to the end.“Nigeria are a strong team. They have very good players and many of them are playing in Europe. But we must defeat them if we are to maintain our qualifying hopes.

“We should take the game to them. We need to fight to defeat them. “Our players are young, but we are strong as a team. He is a good coach. He knows what the players are good at so he can get the best out of us. In this team, everyone has his chance.

“These are matches I want to win. We are not in an ideal position but these are qualifying games for the World Cup. I will do my utmost to help our team.”

Nigeria lead group B with six points after beating Zambia and Algeria while Cameroon are second on two points following their two draws with Algeria and Zambia.