Samson Siasia and his Under-23 Eagles are almost certain to play the first match of their Olympic qualifier against Ghana in Warri, Delta State next month, Jerrysonfm can report.

Siasia and the NFA's Technical Department head James Peters were in Warri over the weekend to inspect the facilities at the Warri Township Stadium after the NFA approached the Delta State government for assistance following their now usual complaints of financial problems. Delta State Sports Commissioner Solomon Ogba told Jerrysonfm.

"The state government is willing to host the Olympic qualifying match between the U-23 national team and Ghana, but the NFA has not confirmed our hosting of the match.

"The coach of the team, Samson Siasia is in Warri to inspect the facilities there and if he likes the place, then the FA may decide to host the match there. We are always ready to help football growth in any capacity in this country," Ogba disclosed.

After the inspection, Peters told Jerrysonfmthat the Warri Stadium was a go. "We are happy with what we saw here. This stadium can host not only the Under 23 team, but other national teams as well," Peters said.

"There are other states also bidding to host the Under 23, but Delta state is in the lead at this moment."

Jerrysonfm gathered though, that given a choice, Siasia would plump for Abuja. But the last debacle against Ghana in the All Africa Games has left the coach with little room to manouevre and he has had to reluctantly accept the NFA's choiuce of Warri.

Head of Media Department of the NFA, Ademola Olajire, however, told Jerrysonfm that nothing had been decided yet, while confirming that Siasia actually travelled to Delta State to inspect the facilities there.

"The venue of the match has not changed from Abuja. It is true that the NFA sought the assistance of the Delta State and the state government is willing to host the match, but the coach of team is not favourably disposed to the idea of taking the match away from Abuja. This is the reason why he travelled to Delta State to inspect the facilities there. If he decides to play the match in Delta State, then the FA will have no option than to play the match there. But if he says no, then the match will still hold in Abuja. "

But Siasia told Jerrysonfm the decision was in the hands of the NFA, "I am only here (Warri) to inspect the facilities. Mind you it is only the FA that can change the venue of the match. All I know is that the match venue has not changed because the NFA has not informed me about any changes."