The fanfare that characterized the presence of the Super Eagles in most African countries was completely lacking at the Estadio Machava Stadium on Saturday as only a pocket of fans came out to have a glimpse of the Nigerian players on parade.

•Photo: Sun News Publishing

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The full compliment of the Eagles comprising skipper Nwankwo Kanu, Mikel Obi, Danny Shittu, Osaze Odemwigie, the Uche brothers, Obinna Nwaneri, Obinna Nsofor, among others had a comprehensive training on synthetic pitch ahead of the all important game against the Mambas of Mozambique.

The empathy of the fans was further manifested when the Mozambicans showed little or no interest when the convey left the stadium-a five miles drive to their five star hotel, as they rather concentrate on what they were doing.

Interestingly, the Minister of Sports, Engineer Sani Ndanusa, and the Nigerian High Commissioner to Mozambique , Toyin Olofintoyin, and Menasara Iloh, watched the training which involved shooting and other technical drills.

Exuding confidence, the players showed no sign of injury including Mikel whose fitness for the game has been a serious subject of controversy, even as coach Shaibu Amodu assured Nigerians that they would do everything to put smiles on their faces.

Meanwhile, thousands of Nigerians stormed Maputo on Saturday night from South Africa and other neighbouring countries to cheer the Eagles to victory today.

Former Super Eagles goalkeeper, Peterside Idah, has disclosed that Eagles coach, Shaibu Amodu, would decide the possibility of featuring Nigerian playmaker, John Mikel Obi, for the World Cup qualifier tie against the Mambas of Mozambique, stressing that he is however fit for the match.

Speaking to SoccerStar at the Estadio Machava Stadium during the Eagles training, Idah maintained that the fitness of the Chelsea of England midfielder is not in doubt, just as he added that drafting him for the game is entirely the decision of coach Amodu.

“You can see for yourself that Mikel is fit and training very well. There is no issue of his having injury or not. However, what I cannot assure Nigerians is whether he can play the match. The decision of his playing or not is an entire decision from the coach. He is ready for the game,” he noted.