Calabar was home to  the Super Eagles in their qualification campaign for the Nations Cup 2013 and World Cup 2014, but one bad start in the match against Congo Brazaville for the 2015 Nations Cup ticket, the Nigeria Football Federation and the Sports Ministry rushed the team back to the Abuja National stadium.

Super Eagles coach Stephen Keshi

Coach Stephen Keshi and his players who seem to have settled down in the Cross River State capital readily agreed with the move. It was gathered that the booing experience they received from the fans in Calabar as they struggled against Congo was like a shock therapy, even though the coach claims that the bad pitch militated against his team’s performance.

However, Cross River commissioner for sports, Mr. Patrick Ugbe disclosed yesterday that, the people and government of the State have no qualms with the decision to change home games venue for the Eagles.

“The Eagles can play anywhere in Nigeria. So if the NFF says the team should play in Abuja that is absolute no worry to us.
“We are still hosting the Eaglets they are doing well and that is very with us.”

Keshi and the sports minister, Tammy Danagogo last week inspected the Abuja national stadium where the Eagles will play their remaining games.

“There is the possibility of the Eagles playing their remaining AFCON qualifying matches here; that’s what we are discussing with the minister in case it doesn’t work out in Calabar,

“Although we will love to play in Calabar, but right now, the pitch has a little problem, so if it’s not going down well there, then we can move down to Abuja and play.

“What I am seeing now at the Abuja stadium is a lot better than what we saw the last time we played here.
“Then, it was so sandy and not very good for players but what I am seeing now is encouraging for players to play on,” Keshi said.