DR Congo in Vise have been delayed at the Belgian
embassy due to visa issues.
Nigerian Football Federation technical and development
committee chairman Felix Anyansi-Agwu has lambasted the
country's Belgian embassy over the visa issues that have
thrown preparations for Thursday's friendly with DR Congo into
a state of flux.
The six Nigerian-based players in Sunday Oliseh's squad –
goalkeepers Ikechukwu Ezenwa and Olufemi Thomas, defender
Chima Akas, uncapped midfielders Austin Obaroakpo and Paul
Onobi and forward Prince Aggrey – were still at the Belgian
embassy 48 hours before the match in Vise after they were not
issued with entry visas.
Members of Nigeria's backroom staff have experienced similar
problems.
Defender Godfrey Oboabona, who plies his trade for Turkish club
Caykur Rizespor, was also awaiting the correct documentation
to travel.
“We are shocked beyond words at the attitude of the Embassy
of Belgium in Nigeria," Anyansi-Agwu said on his federation's
official website.
"This action is a strange one in international sports. Football
preaches and spreads peace and love, but we are taken aback
at the attitude of the Belgian embassy in Nigeria.
"This attitude of the Embassy of Belgium in Nigeria is not
known to international sports. Our team's preparedness for the
only preparatory games ahead of the beginning of FIFA World
Cup qualifiers has been unduly hampered.
"The team's medical crew and other critical backroom staff are
held back in Nigeria. This action is not just against a Football
Federation; it is against an entire nation."
In addition to the problems endured in getting all of Oliseh's
squad into Belgium, where Nigeria play rivals Cameron at the
Ros Beiaard Stadion on Sunday, reports emerged later on
Tuesday that Lille goalkeeper and national team captain Vincent
Enyeama had been thrown out of the team's training camp.
NFF spokesman Toyin Ibitoye refused to be drawn on the
situation.
He said: "The last I heard was that Enyeama had arrived [at]
camp earlier in the day, I cannot speak about further
developments because I am not aware."
West Ham's on-loan Chelsea forward Victor Moses and
Kasimpasa defender Kenneth Omeruo have already withdraw
from Oliseh's squad due to injury.
Cedric Bakambu, whose goals have helped to fire Villarreal to
the top of La Liga, comes into the DR Congo squad in place of
Dynamo Kiev forward Dieumerci Mbokani, who is a surprise
absentee.
Verona midfielder Paul-Jose Mpoku is out due to a facial injury,
while DR Congo will play without their coach or assistant in the
dugout.
Florent Ibenge and Mwinyi Zahera will remain in Kinshasa for
the league match between their respective teams AS Vita and
DC Motema Pembe.
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