We achieved our objectives with Unity Cup, Russia friendlies – Gusau

The President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau (MON), has affirmed the Federation’s satisfaction with the outcomes of the Super Eagles’ recent engagements in the Four-Nation Unity Cup Tournament in London and the international friendly against Russia in Moscow. “I can tell you categorically that we achieved our sporting objectives, which were […]

The President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau (MON), has affirmed the Federation’s satisfaction with the outcomes of the Super Eagles’ recent engagements in the Four-Nation Unity Cup Tournament in London and the international friendly against Russia in Moscow.

“I can tell you categorically that we achieved our sporting objectives, which were the most important in this case,” Gusau said. “The principal goal was to provide windows for the coach and his crew to take a look at new players that might be positive additions to the team going forward.”

Reflecting on Nigeria’s 2-1 win over Ghana and penalty shootout victory over Jamaica in the Unity Cup, as well as the 1-1 draw against Russia’s Sbornaya, Gusau said the matches offered valuable insights for the coaching crew.

“I had some conversations with Coach Eric Chelle and I could see that he was pleased with the opportunities that the tournament in London (Unity Cup), which we won, and the friendly match with Russia, which we drew, provided for him and his assistants.”

Gusau praised the performances of both established and emerging talents in the squad.

“Apart from the regulars that we already know what they are capable of, the tournament in London afforded us the opportunity to see players like Benjamin Frederick, Felix Agu, Christantus Uche and Igoh Ogbu. We saw more of Cyriel Dessers. The home-based professionals – Papa Daniel Mustapha, Ifeanyi Onyebuchi, Collins Ogwueze – did not fare badly either.”

He further highlighted the positives from the Russia game: “In Russia, we saw more of Uche and we saw Tolu Arokodare score a poacher’s goal. Goalkeeper Maduka Okoye was also excellent on his return and captain Ekong held the defence unit well. Now, we have options in defence, midfield and the attack, and I am quite satisfied with the team’s output in the three matches.”

Tolu Arokodare’s second-half strike cancelled out Semi Ajayi’s first-half own goal, earning the Super Eagles a hard-fought draw at the Luzhniki Stadium on Friday.

“Now, we have good options in all areas as we look ahead to the FIFA World Cup qualifying matches, and I am certain that the technical crew is happy with that,” Gusau added.