Denial of visas may scuttle Super Eagles’ friendlies in Europe

Super Eagles’ friendly matches in Europe at the end of this month are being threatened by denial of visas to one home-based player, two coaches, and administrative officials.
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has appealed to the French embassy in Nigeria to approve the visas for two international friendlies against Mali and Luxembourg.
NFF General Secretary, Mohammed Sanusi, said the development is not good for the team as it could demoralise the players and officials.
“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,” Sanusi added.
NFF protocol officials confirmed that about 60 per cent of the passports taken to the embassy on Friday, April 29 were returned without visas.
The Super Eagles play Mali’s Les Aiglons in Rouen, France on Friday, May 27 before engaging the national team of Luxembourg in Luxembourg on Wednesday, June 1.
Arrangements for the two matches, including payments for stadia use, training facilities, and hotel accommodation have been concluded by the organisers.