Zambia national football team players celebrate their victory with their trophy at the end of the African Cup of Nations final football match between Zambia and Ivory Coast on February 12, 2012, at the Stade de l’Amitie in Libreville. AFP PHOTO
The Chipolopolo of Zambia have started preparations ahead of the October 9 World Cup qualifying fixture against Nigeria.
It was learnt that 16 out of the 23 home- based players invited for the game reported to the team’s camp on Monday and began full training yesterday.
The seven players from Zesco United who were knocked out of the CAF Champions League at the weekend by South African champions, Mamelodi Sundowns will link up with their colleagues in camp after today’s league match against Lusaka Tigers.
The foreign- based professionals led by skipper of the side, Rainford Kalaba who plays for Congo Democratic Republic outfit TP Mazembe are expected to start arriving camp this weekend.
The Super Eagles camp is also expected to open this weekend in Abuja for preparation ahead of the clash.
New Super Eagles coach, Gernot Rohr, has already invited 23 players for the tie with only centre- back, Jamiu Alimi, and two goalkeepers; Emmanuel Daniel and Ikechukwu Ezenwa the only home- based players in the squad.
The encounter will hold at the Levy Nwanawasa Stadium in Ndola.
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