Super Eagles defender Ola Aina, calls the attention of the Nigeria Football Federation NFF, to the urgent need of a good pitch for the national teams.
It’s no longer news that Nigeria is overwhelmed with a dilapidated football stadiums. Hence, the lack of interest from fans to go to stadiums and see games.
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Sadly, an inspection team from the Confederation of African Football CAF, after visiting numerous stadia in the country only approved one(Godswill Akpabio Stadium) of meeting it’s international standard.
And what it means is that, for the upcoming fixtures of the Super Eagles, can only be played in Uyo.
So, there’s a need that the federation put more pitches in good shape ahead of the next year’s AFCON. And of course, that will help the national teams prepare very well for international competitions.
According to Aina, the unpleasant issues of non-payment of match bonuses is not even the major issue facing Nigeria’s football. But the issues of lack of good adequate facilities for players to train and prepare themselves.
Super Eagles player urge NFF to put more good pitches in place
“You see the whole issue of unpaid allowances is not pleasant at all but that is not our major problem,” he was quoted by Owngoal Nigeria.
“If we can get at least ten good pitches where we can play train and play our games at home we will be unplayable. If you remember we won all our games during the world cup qualifiers, but struggled at home. It’s the playing surface.”
Speaking further, he made references to the initial call by Iwobi for the federation to declare a state of emergency on pitches in Nigeria.
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“Alex(Iwobi) complained about it and he is very correct. We will beat almost any team in Africa and probably the world if we get good pitches in Nigeria. The team is loaded with talents, all we need is a better surface to express ourselves,” he added.
Nigeria will return to action on 10 September against Sao Tome and Principe. That is their final AFCON qualifier fixture; a match that will be played in Uyo AkwaIbom state.