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Speaking with journalists over the weekend, chairman of the Nigerian Football Association Alhaji Sani Lulu, vice-chairman Amanze Uchegbulam, NFA secretary-general Bolaji Ojo-Oba board member Taiwo Ogunjobi all expressed satisfaction with the level of effort they have put in so far into preparing the Super Eagles for the African Cup of Nations.

"We have done everything possible to ensure superb preparation, from motivation to preparation and other logistics," said a visibly contented Lulu.

"We have done our best and we expect the best from the team."

Lulu also used the opportunity to allay the fears harbored by many Nigerians as to the choice of Malaga as training camp prior to the tournament.

In recent weeks, a lot of Nigerians have expressed displeasure with the idea of the team going to train in a European country rather than an African one where the weather conditions would have been similar to those in Ghana.

But the Association chairman insisted the weather conditions at Malaga will be comparable with that experienced at Ghana presently.

He explained, "There is talk about us training in Malaga and coming to play in Ghana. Ghana and Malaga will have the same weather in January. Malaga will be 26 degrees. I think that we will not have the same problem with that."

There was also the issue of the Super Eagles not engaging in friendly ties with fellow African teams. This issue has been a growing concern amongst many supporters and fans, the worry is that the team might not be able to adapt to the African style of play when the tournament kicks off proper. Nigeria had engaged Mexico, Australia and Switzerland in friendly in recent months.

But the Chairman, who always has an answer for every question, quickly pointed out that there were arrangements being made for the team to meet African sides in friendly matches before the tournament kicks off proper.

"I want to assure you that the problem has been sorted out too because Eagles will play Angola and Uganda when they are training in Malaga." Sani Lulu said.

He also pointed out that the team will return to the country after the training for a reception before finally jetting out to the tournament proper in Ghana.

"After training in Malaga, the team will return to Nigeria before going to Ghana," he revealed.

"In Nigeria, there would be a reception for them. It is meant to show the boys how we and the entire country respect them. That reception will be at the airport. It is to make the players feel important.

"They are important. It is part of our boosters. Of course, you have heard how we sorted out with the bonuses. They are all happy about what we will be offering them."

He expressed confidence in the team's ability to excel at the Nations Cup, urging Nigerians to back them in finding success.

"I think that we have done our own," he said.

"It is now left for the team to do theirs and we believe they have what it takes to win in Ghana. Let's pray for them."

The Super Eagles begin training on the 4th of January ahead of their Group B opener against the Elephants of Cote d'Ivoire on the 21 st of January.

They will also play the Eagles of Mali and the Squirrels of Benin, hoping to get favorable results that will enable them qualify from what has been christened the "group of death."

source:goal.com