Super Eagles

The Super Eagles had their first training session in Niamey, Niger Republic on Monday afternoon, but had to retreat after about an hour due to the scorching heat of the Nigerian capital.

Big Boss Stephen Keshi along with his assistants all took part in the training session that took place on the synthetic pitch of Stade Omnisport, Niamey.

Training commenced at about 3:45pm, with Keshi as usual lecturing the players on the importance of the game and the need to show Nigerians that they are worthy ambassadors who can always put on the national colours.

Moments after training started with Coach Hyundonou Valere, Sylvanus Okpala, Dan Amokachi taking their turns and Ike Shorunmi busy with his two goalkeepers, some of the players ran out of the pitch because the heat was practically piercing through their boots and coupled with the scorching sun, training became a nightmare.

But Keshi insisted on training in the condition, which at the time stood at 33 degrees celcuis, with humidity at 46 per cent. The players therefore had to endure the training for about 1hour 15 minutes, because Keshi noted that the same condition will apply on match day when they file out against the Mena. The only difference being that the game will be played on a natural turf.

Immediately, after training all the players ran to the sidelines to remove their boots and had to loosen up after training on bare feet because of the heat.

“We have to endure it because we are professionals and we want to do well in the friendly and in other upcoming games,” Keshi said after the training.