The President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Ibrahim Gusau, has revealed that the federation achieved their objectives at the Unity Cup and the friendly match against Russia.
The Super Eagles won the Unity Cup trophy with a penalty shootout victory over Jamaica in May to win the tournament for the second time.
Eric Chelle’s side played out a 2-2 draw against Russia to end the international break on a positive note ahead of the World Cup qualifiers in September.
Gusau said the NFF wanted to create an opportunity for Chelle to make use of the international window.
He said, “I can tell you categorically that we achieved our sporting objectives, which were the most important in this case. The principal goal was to provide windows for the coach and his crew to take a look at new players who might be positive additions to the team going forward.
“I had some conversations with Coach Eric Chelle, and I could see that he was pleased with the opportunities that the tournament in London (Unity Cup) that we won and the friendly match with Russia that we drew provided for him and his assistants.”
Gusau expressed satisfaction with the output of most of the playing personnel during the international break.
He said, “Apart from the regulars that we already know what they are capable of, the tournament in London afforded us the opportunity to see players like Benjamin Frederick, Felix Agu, Christantus Uche and Igoh Ogbu. We saw more of Cyriel Dessers. The home-based professionals (Papa Daniel Mustapha, Ifeanyi Onyebuchi, and Collins Ogwueze) did not fare badly either.
“In Russia, we saw more of Uche, and we saw Tolu Arokodare score a poacher’s goal. Goalkeeper Maduka Okoye was also excellent on his return, and Captain Ekong held the defence unit well. Now, we have options in defence, midfield and attack, and I am quite satisfied with the team’s output in the three matches.”
Nigeria defeated the Black Stars 2-1 in an entertaining Unity Cup semi-final at Brentford’s Gtech Community Stadium on May 28 and then pipped Jamaica’s Reggae Boyz 5-4 on penalties after a 2-2 draw in the final three days later.
Tolu Arokodare scored in the second half to earn a 1-1 draw against Russia at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow after Semi Ajayi’s own goal.
Gusau concluded, “Now, we have good options in all areas as we look ahead to the FIFA World Cup qualifying matches, and I am certain that the technical crew is happy with that.”
The Super Eagles will return to action against South Africa and Rwanda in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
