Super Eagles game against Sao Tome preparation for World Cup qualifiers, says NFF

• NFF Holds Yearly General Meeting In Uyo
• Security Committee Ready For Big Day

Super Eagles’ last qualifying game for the Cote d’Ivoire 2024 African Cup of Nations against Sao Tome and Principe in Uyo today is part of the preparatory matches for the national team ahead of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, which begin later this year, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has said.

Nigeria, which defeated Sao Tome and Principe 10-0 in the first leg of the tie, opted to play the inconsequential leg with the full complement of their stars instead of employing home-based players for the game, raising questions on the wisdom of such move in spite of NFF’s dire financial situation.

But the NFF has defended the decision, saying today’s match would be used to test some of the newly invited players to the national team, as well as help Coach Jose Peseiro and his crew to correct some of the team’s deficiencies ahead of the World Cup qualifiers, which begin in November.

A source close to the team also said that Peseiro sees the game as avenue to convince the federation that he is the right man to lead the Eagles to the World Cup qualifiers and next year’s African Cup of Nations.

Meanwhile, Sao Tome’s Coach, Eusebio Adriano, believes that he has a better team that cannot be humiliated with another 10-0 defeat by the Super Eagles.

Speaking ahead of the game, Adriano said: “We are not here to play. We don’t have anything to lose from this game; so, we will use it to learn and also try new players, but most importantly, we don’t want to lose 10-0 like it happened in June “

Apart from the game in Uyo, the qualifier presents the NFF opportunity to hold its yearly general meeting today.

The federation’s officials arrived in the Akwa Ibom State