By Albert Akota
The Nigeria Football ederation (NFF) has confirmed that the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against the Amavubi of Rwanda will be played at the UJ Esuene Stadium at Calabar, the Cross River State.
This was disclosed by the NFF’s assistant director of communications and media, Ademola Olajire. Hear him: “The Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Rwanda set for September 7 will be played at the UJ Esuene Stadium, in Calabar.”
The UJ Esuene Stadium has been a fortress for the Super Eagles in recent games, where they played their home qualifiers for the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations and the 2014 World Cup. They have won almost all their games in Calabar, except for the 1-1 draw in July of 2013 against the Harambee Stars of Kenya in a 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifier.
This probably doesn’t come as a big surprise, but definitely is a bit of a shock considering the Super Eagles were expected to return to the National Stadium in Abuja, which has been re-grassed and officials of the National Sports Commission have said it is ready for use.
But Olajire remains unequivocal that Calabar will be hosting Nigeria’s first game in their quest to defend their African crown.
“It is Calabar, and that is the decision of the NFF so that’s the way it stands right now,” he pointed.
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