Visa hitch threatens Super Eagles friendly matches

Technical and administrative officials of the Super Eagles are yet to receive travelling visas needed from the Embassy of France in Nigeria ahead of the two international friendly matches fixed for the national team in Europe at the end of May.

In this light, the Nigeria Football Federation has appealed to the French Embassy to issue visas to the affected officials as well as the player on the roster for the games against Mali and Luxembourg.

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 of the three –time African champions.

“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,” NFF General Secretary, Mohammed Sanusi, said on Wednesday.

NFF protocol officials told thenff.com on Wednesday that about 60 per cent of the passports taken to the embassy on Friday, April 29, had been returned without visas.

The Super Eagles play Mali’s Les Aiglons in Rouen, France on Friday, 27th May before engaging the National Team of Luxembourg in Luxembourg on Wednesday, 1st June.

All arrangements for the two matches, including payments for stadia use, training facilities and hotel accommodation, have been concluded by the organizers.