Mikel leads first training session, as Super Eagles’ camp swells

Super Eagles’ Captain, John Obi Mikel, yesterday led his mates to their first training session in preparation for this weekend’s Russia 2018 World Cup qualifier against Zambia in Ndola.

At the last count, all the 23 invited players were at the Super Eagles’ Bolton White Hotel and Apartments to begin preparation for the game, which is expected to set the tone for Nigeria’s passage top Russia 2018.

Mikel and his mates from England arrived Nigeria yesterday aboard a British Airways flight from London, just as Ahmed Musa, Brown Ideye and Nigeria League top scorer, Godwin Obaje, came in before the evening training session.

According to thenff.com, the players in camp are Mikel John Obi, Ahmed Musa, Ogenyi Onazi, Carl Ikeme, Kingsley Madu, Musa Muhammed, Emmanuel Daniel, Ikechukwu Ezenwa, Elderson Echiejile, Nosa Igiebor, Abdullahi Shehu, William Paul Ekong, Alex Iwobi.

Others are Kenneth Omeruo, Anderson Esiti, Jamiu Alimi, Wilfred Ndidi, Chisom Egbuchunam, Uche Agbo, Kelechi Iheanacho, Moses Simon, Brown Ideye and Godwin Obaje.

The team will train this morning morning and take on Nigeria Professional Football League side, Plateau United FC of Jos in a friendly match at the mainbowl of the National Stadium, Abuja in the evening.

Meanwhile, the national U-17 Women team, Flamingoes, failed to fly yesterday despite dominating proceedings against England in their second match of the on-going FIFA U-17 Women World Cup.

The Nigerians lost their opening game 0-1 to Brazil on Saturday and were expected to beat England to rekindle hope of making the second round.

But against England, whose coach,
John Griffiths, made three changes from the side that drew 3-3 with North Korea, the Flamingoes could not find the net despite dominating proceedings.

Nigeria’s closest to getting a goal came in the second half when England’s Hollie Olding deflected Folashade Ijamilusi’s shot towards goal, but the ball crept just past the post.

Nikyu Bala’s side continued to press and although they totalled 32 attempts, only five were on target.