Calabar very safe for Malawi game, says Nigeria Football Federation
Nigeria Football Federation, Alhaji Aminu Maigari has assured that the city of Calabar is safe to host the crucial World Cup qualifier against Malawi’s Flames at U J Esuene Stadiumon Saturday.
The Flames, who played Botswana on Tuesday in a friendly match, are expected to arrive in Calabar on Thursday after dropping vice captain Lucky Malata and George Nyirenda from the 22-man squad.
Alhaji Maigari was quoted by Nigeria’s newpaper saying that it has always been safe.
“President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Alhaji Aminu Maigari has insisted that the city of Calabar, capital of Cross River State, was very safe, and had always been very safe, for international matches of all the national teams,” states the paper.
Maigari who was speaking with sports journalists in Abuja yesterday applauded the efforts of Governor Liyel Imoke of Cross River State and his administration in hosting the Super Eagles and the U-17 teams.
“The Government and people of Cross River State deserve nothing but high commendation for their generosity and hospitality. They have continued to be great hosts for the Super Eagles and the Golden Eaglets.
“On our part, the NFF has perfected all arrangements to host a hitch-free World Cup qualifying match, and we are assuring the Government and people of Nigeria that our Super Eagles are adequately prepared to achieve victory against Malawi on Saturday,” said Maigari.
Fam’s advance party comprising General Secretary Suzgo Nyirenda and Accountant Christopher Mdolo also passed Calabar is fit to host the game.
The advance party left last week to check on security, accommodation and the atmosphere of the city.
Nigeria need only a draw in Saturday’s clash at the U J Esuene Stadium to progress into the 10-team final elimination round of the African series for the 2014 Fifa World Cup finals in Brazil.
