Soccer News of Friday, 7 February 2003

Source: Vanguard

Eagles get new Warri date for Ghana

NIGERIA’S Super Eagles would be on the march again on February 23 when they confront the Black Stars of Ghana in Warri in their second leg friendly. The first leg match which was played in Accra saw the home-based Eagles establishing themselves with a 1-0 victory in a match which the Ghanaians used three of their professional players. Warri, fastly turning to mecca of hosting Nigeria’s major championships has grabbed the hosting of the match in a grand style, providing sponsors for the teams.

First, an Education Trust Fund which prefers anonymity has promised to foot the bills of the Ghanaians - accommodation, feeding and transportation while Delta FA headed by Dare Otubu has continued search for the sponsors of the Eagles. Pinnick Amaju, the hardworking first Vice Chairman of Delta FA said that Warri would be excited to host the Super Eagles.

"It is going to be the first time that the Eagles would play in Warri. We’re going to shower them with the hospitality we are known for and fans are going to come out in their droves in our tradition to cheer the Eagles".

The Black Stars have been sulking after the defeat at home and would be coming in full force to avenge the defeat in the spirit of the rivalry that has seen every Ghana/Nigeria match. However, Super Eagles Coach Christian Chukwu is not bothered about the Ghanaians but hinted that he may prosecute the match with an entirely home-based squad. "I’m happy with the performance of the Pros in their various clubs abroad.

I’m equally excited with the performance of the home-based but time has come for us to pay more attention on youth players. I want to see players between the age bracket of 20 to 23 playing for the Eagles.