It looks like the Super Eagles will be our next opponent. I have taken these from two Nigerian sources, and unless something is amiss the JFF should be announcing it soon. If this comes off, it will be in London, and we should get a full Nigeria squad. The first report is from This Day:
After Ghana Snub, Nigeria Turns to Reggae Boyz 12.30.2008
Nigeria has turned to old foes Jamaica for an international friendly after West African rivals Ghana opted to play Egypt. “Ghana have decided for reasons of their own to play Egypt instead of us after negotiations had reached advanced stages,” a disappointed Super Eagles head coach Shaibu Amodu said yesterday.
“So now we are looking at Jamaica, but we will only know for sure in the new year."
The Super Eagles coach explained that the choice of Jamaica was a forced hand as attempts to arrange games with other African countries are proving difficult. “Most of these countries already have games lined up, and it seems as if others just don’t want to play us,” he adds.
Amodu added that he was especially disappointed at the Ghana snub because an almost certain game against Namibia was jettisoned to make room for the Black Stars.
“We had a game against Namibia lined up, but we decided to pick Ghana because we felt it is always better for us to play against strong African sides. And now that option is no longer available because the Ghanaians left it so late, and then went on to take Egypt.
“But we will hopefully get Jamaica in London. The important thing is for us to get together as a group, keep ourselves busy and talk to each other as a team before we face our first game.” The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) in its bid to beat time is shopping for other countries after Ghana dramatically shunned a friendly match with the Super Eagles billed for February 11, a FIFA free day.
NFF spokesman Ademola Olajire had told THISDAYSports Monday night that talks were on with Zambia, Sudan and the third country understood to be Mali, to help knock the Eagles in shape for their South Africa 2010 Group B trip to Mozambique, after discussions was stalled with the Ghana Football Association (GFA). Now, the Jamaica friendly appears last resort so as not to waste the FIFA free day.
From Kick Off - Nigeria:
Nigeria eye Jamaica after Ghana snub Posted: 2008-12-30
Nigeria have turned to old foes Jamaica for an international friendly after west African rivals Ghana opted to play Egypt.
"Ghana have decided for reasons of their own to play Egypt instead of us after negotiations had reached advanced stages," a disappointed Amodu said.
"So now, we are looking at Jamaica, but we will only know for sure after the New Year."
Amodu explained that the choice of Jamaica was a forced hand as attempts to arrange games with other African countries are proving difficult.
"Most of these countries already have games lined up, and it seems as if others just don’t want to play us.
"Maybe they are scared of us, I don’t know."
The coach added that he was especially disappointed at the Ghana snub because an almost certain game against Namibia was jettisoned to make room for the Black Stars.
"We had a game against Namibia lined up, but we decided to pick Ghana because we felt it is always better for us to play against strong African sides.
"And now that option is no longer available because the Ghanaians left it so late, and then went on to take Egypt.
"But we will hopefully get Jamaica in London. The important thing is for us to get together as a group, keep ourselves busy and talk to each other as a team before we face our first game."
NFF Chief Media Officer Ademola Olajire was more categorical about the Jamaica match.
"We received an offer from them on Monday, and we have already written back to them accepting the offer.
"The game will be played in London," Olajire said.
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Good opponent.....bad location. Why play this game in London, if it is to save cost I understand but have not won a game in England for the past five years.
Good opponent.....bad location. Why play this game in London, if it is to save cost I understand but have not won a game in England for the past five years.
Definitely to save cost. But we also need to get over this bad location syndrome, whats wrong with playing in London? The fan support has always been good. Its now up to the Federation officials to make professional arrangements.
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If it is best to play the match in England, why not Birmingham, Liverpool/Manchester.......London is the most expensive city in England and we have constantly been embrassed there.
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Birmingham may suit Jamaica but London suits Nigeria. They have a bigger crowd there. With John Barnes playing his first game in England the media in london might just be all over it.
Miss P. you are funny, and sharp. Yes, I have been looking at the Nigerian media and at CyberEagles and the reason that these comments are being made is because there is much criticism of the Eagles taking on what is perceived to be a weak opponent. Nigeria is preparing for their World Cup qualifiers, and they were looking for an African opponent, because they next play Mozambique. Ghana is a strong rival, and many wanted that game to exact revenge for recent humiliations. And even though Nigerians love and respect Jamaica culturally, they are thinking along the lines of our last debacle against Ghana and such.
Remember that the Eagles are #19 in the FIFA rankings, and play their next friendly against France. While they have struggled recently, they are a big team in world football, and produce some of the best talent in the international game. This is a great opportunity for us. And London is a good showcase.
While it has been years since we have played their first team -- the game in Kingston was against a hastily assembled group of locals and U-20s -- here is our 10 year record against them:
From 01.12.1998 To 31.12.2008
Nigeria 1:0 (0:0) Jamaica 18/05/2002 London Friendly
I'm excited about another opportunity for our boys to play against first class players. Nigeria is a great squad. We will need to be sharp to win. Hopefully the Jamaicans in London and the rest of England will come out strong for us.
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If Barnes and the Captain can pull off a u20 and senior double header this would be magical. It is after our round in SVG and before the African Youth Championships in Feb. 2009.
it doesn't matter if they dunt want to play us... if we win better ranking and because of their upcoming games they prob wont play a reserve team... although it wud be nice to see inter's obi 1 and some other olympic stars
this is good news. we should call a full strength squad. I would like to see Marlon King to play as well. I read the african website they sed probably febuary 11 is the game
We should all be thankful we are getting a game agasint a top ranked opponent again. Last resort or not this is a chance to play well and bring some respectability back for our team and show we can win outside of CONCACAF. The fact is that we lost respect in the football world and we are not a top football nation to start so why are we surprised we are lost resort. We were ranked over 100 a couple months ago and this our chance to sell ourselves, get more games for 2009 and rebuild our image. Good luck Boyz.
Because it is in London, Nigeria will seek to call all its players in Europe, with the exception of the long-term injured, such as Yakubu. This means that from La Liga, the Bundesliga through to the EPL we should get to see some major figures. There are a lot of Nigerians in London who will be upset otherwise. We will bring our best, I am sure, and I can't see any more than one or two DPL players, which would include a backup keeper.
If this game comes off, we should count ourselves lucky to get such a big team, because we would have had no chance at another top team in February. I think that Barnes and the Boyz will be ready, and that we will give Nigeria a hell of a game.
should we start a new thread/topic.. Should the Captain receive accolades for getting the Reggaeboyz a top opponent.. Even when the cAptain naw try tings ah gwaan some would argue. Boxhill couldn't even get TnT's U14 others would say.
Maybe The Captain should try and organise a revenge game against England at the same time. It nuh matter if England bring their top team. History will still record a Jamaican victory.
Imagine nuh guy couldn't talk to Barnes after that. But even worse, nobadi couldn't even mention anything negative bout Burrell mek him cheerleaders dem hear... Oh gosh.
Jamaica also needs to tour Africa. Afta we pick off all the feathers pon dis bird dem call Supa Eagle.. Then dust out the 3 lions as if any lion live in England.
Respect to Ghana still. I think I would have made the same choice. Them North African teams seem to run rings around their southern neihbours..
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Relax, no paperwork has been signed yet.....and we also have a $$$ issue the English FA which needs to approve the match, if it is played in England. Remember, John Barnes is NOT the English FA or a representative of them.
Relax, no paperwork has been signed yet.....and we also have a $$$ issue the English FA which needs to approve the match, if it is played in England. Remember, John Barnes is NOT the English FA or a representative of them.
The JFF shoud use part proceeds from this game (if it comes off) to repay the English FA. We could easily ask for £100K match fee.
