The Embassy of Austria in Nigeria has denied key staff of the Super Eagles’ workforce entry visa into their country for the team’s final phase camping programme billed to begin on Sunday.
Several months ago, the Nigeria Football Federation concluded arrangements with the world –renowned Avita Resort in Bad Tatzmannsdorf, for the Eagles to put finishing touches to their World Cup program there. They are billed to be there before flying to Yessentuki, the team base camp at the World Cup, on 11th June.
Team Administrator Dayo Enebi Achor confirmed to thenff.com that the lead physiotherapist, Nnaemeka Anozie and Equipment Manager, Chidi Ngoka, were denied visas by the Austrian Embassy in Abuja.
“We are stunned by the action of the Austrian Embassy. How will the team cope without the physiotherapist and the equipment manager? Everyone is disappointed with this,” Achor said on Thursday.
…The FA names Italian officials for big match
The Football Association on Thursday named Italian official Marco Guida as referee for Saturday’s prestige friendly between Nigeria’s Super Eagles and England’s Three Lions at Wembley Stadium, London.
Guida will be assisted by compatriots Riccardo Di Fiore and Alessandro Giallatini (Assistant Referees) and Davide Massa (Fourth Official), as well as Michael Fabbri (Video Assistant Referee) and Giulio Dobosz (Assistant Video Assistant Referee).
The match, which is the penultimate pre-World Cup friendly for both teams before their first matches in Russia, will start at 5.15pm UK time.
