The Nigeria Football Federation have appealed to the French embassy in Nigeria with regards to the issuance of visas to one player and some technical and administrative officials of the Super Eagles ahead of two international friendly matches in Europe at the end of this month. Nigeria play Mali in Rouen, France on Friday, 27 May before facing Luxembourg in Luxembourg on Wednesday, 1 June. All arrangements for the two matches, including payments for stadia use, training facilities and hotel accommodation have been concluded by the organisers, according to the NFF. Nigeria’s matches against Mali and Luxembourg are being threatened by denial of entry visa to the only home-based player in the squad of 26, Ikechukwu Ezenwa, two coaches and administrative officials of the 2013 African champions.
“We are appealing to the Embassy of France in Nigeria to reconsider its stance and issue visas to these officials. They are going to Europe for very important assignments as the two matches are key to the preparation of the Super Eagles for future engagements,” NFF General Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, said on Wednesday.
NFF protocol officials told thenff.com on Wednesday that about 60 per cent of the passports taken to the embassy on Friday, 29 April have been returned without visas.