15 Eagles train in Antwerp as home-based players are held up by Belgian embassy visa delays

TRAINING has commenced in full at the Super Eagles camp in Antwerp ahead of Thursday's friendly match against the Democratic Republic of Congo with 15 players present and being put through their paces by the coaching staff.

 

In what will be an exciting double header, the Eagles will face Congo the day after tomorrow and then travel to Brussels lock horns with Cameroon's Indomitable Lions on Sunday October 11. Of the 24 players invited to camp, 15 European-based professionals are already present, with the home-based players expected soon.

 

Among those already in Antwerp include Ahmed Musa, Ogenyi Onazi, John Mikel Obi, Carl Ikeme, Elderson Echiejile, Efe Ambrose, William Troost-Ekong, Leon Balogun, Sylvester Igbonu, Rabiu Ibrahim, Obiora Nwankwo,  Odion Ighalo, Moses Simon, Emmanuel Emenike and Alex Iwobi. Delays by the Belgium embassy in Nigeria in issuing visas to the home-based players has delayed their arrival.

 

Also, Godfrey Oboabona, who plays for Caykur Rizespor in Turkey who is also facing visa issues as his passport us yet to be released by the Belgian Embassy in the country. Some of the Eagles medical team are also facing similar problems and officials may need to secure the services of a temporary physiotherapist for massage and medical matters.

 

Six home-based professionals are in the delegation yet to be issued visas in Abuja including  goalkeepers Femi Thomas and Ikechukwu Ezenwa, defenders Chima Akas and Austin Oboroakpo, midfielder Paul Onobi and forward Prince Aggrey. Nigerian Football Federation officials hope that the entire contingent will get their passports back today and be allowed to fly out immediately.