Members of the NIgerian delegation at the Pre match meeting in Durban, Tuesday, heaved a sigh of relief as NIgeria’s colours were announced.
Team Manager Dayo Enebi was to say that Green is the preferred colour for Nigeria and that there is something sentimental about it.
Nigeria’s squad lines up before the Africa Cup of Nations Nigeria vs Burkina Faso group C football match at Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit on January 21, 2013. AFP PHOTO
”Yes I am not superstitious, but history has it that we have always done better in Green than in white “ he said.
Mali as team A will appear in yellow, while Nigeria dons Green with Goalkeeper and stand in keeper Vincent Enyeama also given his preferred blue colours.
In another development, Gambian referee Gassama Backary Papa has been assigned the centre role to be assisted by Ogbamariam Angesom from Eritrea and Kabanda Felicien of Rwanda.
There will not be too many happy faces in the Nigerian dressing room when Referee Gehad Grisham of Egypt goes to check equipment as the fourth official.
Grisham it will be recalled, gave the controversial penalty that saw Zambia draw against Nigeria and it was widely publicized in the Nigeria media that he had been sent home.
Meanwhile, Mr Amadou Cisse, the Malian team manager said there was jubilation in Mali when Nigeria beat Cote D’ivoire .
He said back home there is so much fear of the Elephants that the thing has gotten to the players.” we tremble at the mere mention of Cote D’ivoire , so we were so relieved when the opposition happened to be Nigeria.
”While not taking anything away from the Super Eagles, there is no doubt that our boys are now much more relaxed and ready to give it their best shot.”
