‘Why Benin Friendly For Flying Eagles Was Called Off’

Internal wrangling within the Beninese Football Federation that generated a court injunction led to the cancellation of Sunday’s international friendly match between the national Under-20 Men’s Team of Nigeria, Flying Eagles and the Young Squirrels of Benin.

The Flying Eagles, reigning champions of Africa, were on their way to Lagos for the game when the Nigeria Football Federation received information that the Beninios team would no longer be able to travel as a result of a court injunction against the sitting administration in the FBF.

“It is unfortunate. The technical crew and players of the Flying Eagles already had their minds set on the match and were fully focused to gain something out of it. We had mobilised for the team’s movement and accommodation and other logistics in Lagos, before the unfortunate information from FBF, “said NFF General Secretary, Barrister Musa Amadu.

Amadu said the NFF will arrange more matches for the Flying Eagles before their 2013 African Youth Championship qualifier against Tanzania in Dar es Salaam in a fortnight.

“We want the team to be well-prepared for the fixture and a number of Premier League clubs could be drafted in to give them quality friendly matches. We are working hard on that.”

Also at the weekend, the Tanzania Football Federation confirmed that the 2013 African Youth Championship qualifying match between the Young Taifa Stars and the Flying Eagles in Dar es Salaam on July 29 will be played on natural grass pitch.