Football fans in Ebonyi have urged the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to give the CHAN Super Eagles the same level of attention it presently gives the Super Eagles Team A.
The fans, in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday in Abakaliki, were reacting to the CHAN 2018 Final Draw held on Friday in Rabat, Morocco.
NAN reports that Nigeria has been drawn in Group C based in Tangier alongside Libya, Equatorial Guinea and Rwanda, with the competition holding from Jan.13 to Feb. 4.
Emmanuel Anya, former Chief Press Secretary to Gov. David Umahi of Ebonyi, advised that preparations should commence immediately with the conduct of the draws.
“The team’s coaches should immediately submit their preparation plans to the NFF which in turn should put modalities in place to ensure a successful performance at the competition.
“The relevant football authorities should understand that Nigerians are passionate about their national teams, whether it is the female teams, the CHAN team, the Super Eagles or any other,” he said.
Hillary Obiesie, Secretary of Ebonyi Sports Council, advised the NFF to immediately convene a meeting with the CHAN Super Eagles coaches and players.
He said this was necessary to solve problems associated with match bonuses and other allowances.
“The same meeting held with the Team A should be convened immediately to prevent bonus row situations as recorded during the last WAFU Nations Cup in Ghana.
The relevant football authorities should also understand that most of the players currently in the Team A passed through the country’s domestic league.
“So, they should pay equal attention to the CHAN Super Eagles team, and not make them feel inferior,” Obiesie said.
Martin Asokuh, a mining expert and football buff, urged the NFF to engage Rohr in the CHAN Eagles’ team preparation and participation in the competition for the country’s overall benefit.
“Rohr by designation should supervise the entire national teams as his technical expertise will correct the team’s flaws which were noticed during the qualifiers and the WAFU Nations Cup.
“The Eagles Team A would fortunately be free during the CHAN 2018 period and it will afford Rohr the opportunity of discovering players that should compete for selection for the World Cup of June,” he said.
Thelma Nwadike, a teacher and football enthusiast, urged the NFF to organise for the team friendly matches with participating countries for an effective team preparation.
“Efforts should be intensified to improve on the team’s third-place finish at the 2014 edition in South Africa,” she said.(NAN)
