Sports Briefs
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THE Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, has appealed to the Embassy of France in Nigeria to issue visas to one player, technical and administrative officials of the Super Eagles ahead of two international friendly matches in Europe at the end of this month.
Nigeria’s matches against Mali and Luxembourg are being threatened by denial of entry visa to the only home-based player, two coaches and administrative officials.
Mohammed Sanusi, NFF general Secretary, said, “We are appealing to the Embassy of France in Nigeria to reconsider its stance and issue visas to these officials. They are going to Europe for very important assignments as the two matches are key to the preparation of the Super Eagles for future engagements,” he said.
NFF protocol officials told thenff.com on Wednesday, May 11, that about 60 percent of the passports taken to the embassy on Friday, April 29, have been returned without visas. The Super Eagles play Mali’s Les Aiglons in Rouen, France, on Friday, May 27, before engaging the National Team of Luxembourg in Luxembourg on Wednesday, June 1. All arrangements for the two matches, including payments for stadia use, training facilities and hotel accommodation have been concluded by the organisers.
Patrick Pascal, Super Eagles coordinator, French Football Federation, had prior knowledge of the May 27, friendly match at the Stade Robert Diochon in Rouen, stating that getting approval after reapplying for visas wouldn’t be a problem.
Pascal told footballlive.ng that the situation could have been envisaged particularly with the upgrade of security alert across Europe. The Eagles coordinator is confident the situation will be diffused and a swift response on the issuance will be done.
— May 23, 2016 @ 01:00 GMT
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