NFF declares operation stop Algeria in Uyo open

Ezenwa set to join Atletico Madrid

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) yesterday declared that it has started a programme that will ensure the Super Eagles beat Algeria convincingly when both teams meet in Uyo on November 12.

Tagged ‘Operation Stop Algeria,’ the NFF President, Amaju Pinnick, said the federation and the team have put behind them last weekend’s 2-1 defeat of Zambia in Ndola and were already fully focused on next month’s Matchday 2 clash with the Fennecs of Algeria, who like Nigeria played at the 2010 and 2014 FIFA World Cup finals.

“We have three points and lead the group, but we do not have the World Cup ticket yet. We must keep our heads. Picking three points in the encounter with Algeria next month is paramount.

“We also want to use this opportunity to appeal to other corporate organizations to join and assist the NFF with more financial support to help the Super Eagles land safely at Russia 2018, as Government alone cannot afford the huge cost of prosecuting these games, with so many other sectors in need of support.”

He thanked the Federal Government and SuperSports for coming to the federation’s aid in the game against Zambia, saying their support played a major role in the victory in Ndola.

Meanwhile, Super Eagles assistant goalkeeper, Ikechukwu Ezenwa, will soon move to Atletico Madrid, which beat Cadiz to the signature of Nigerian goalkeeper, reports owngoalnigeria.com.

The report claims that the FC Ifeanyi Ubah star has already signed a preliminary contract with the capital outfit, which will be activated when the transfer window reopens for business.

Segunda División strugglers Cadiz had been in the running for the services of the 27-year-old but FC Ifeanyi Ubah chiefs pulled the plug on the deal after they failed to meet his asking price and personal terms.

It said Cadiz had offered to pay Ezenwa 1,300 euros monthly wages before tax (equivalent of N650,000), less than the 1,600 euros (N800,000) he earns every month at FC Ifeanyi Ubah.