NFF Backs London Training Camp For Eagles

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) insists a planned two-day training camp in England will still go ahead as scheduled despite clubs in Europe refusing to release their players.

The new Nigeria coach, Lars Lagerback, intends to bring the players together as part of his preparations for the World Cup in South Africa in June.

However, the timing of the camp has been questioned by clubs as it comes close to the end of the season when teams have much to play for.

But the NFF still plan to bring in as many players as possible for what is seen as an important gathering, scheduled for 27 and 28 April.

“We understand the challenges involved, but this meeting is significant for the players to meet the new coach before our World Cup campaign commences,” NFF spokesman Ademola Olajire said.

“Not all the players on the provisional squad list will be able to make it but the ones available will meet him.

“There is really a short time between now and the first friendly match scheduled for May 30; hopefully this meeting will enhance rapport between both parties [players and coach].

“This is just a meeting for Lars Lagerback to meet and be introduced to the players.

“So even if some of them can’t make it, we hope the relevance will still be achieved with the few available.”

Clubs including English side Everton, Olympique Marseille of France and Israeli club Hapoel Petah Tikvah have since written to the NFF, withholding permission for their players to attend.

Nigeria appointed Lars Lagerback in late February to lead them at the World Cup in South Africa in June.

The former Sweden coach replaced Shaibu Amodu, who was moved to look after the locally-based side for the African Nations Championship after he failed to win the Africa Cup of Nations in Angola.

Nigeria was drawn in a group alongside Greece, Argentina and South Korea at the World Cup.