The Nigeria Football Federation has confirmed the UJ Esuene Stadium, Calabar as venue for next month’s 2014 FIFA World Cup and 2013 African Cup of Nations qualifying matches involving the Senior National Team,Super Eagles.

NFF President, Alhaji Aminu Maigari said on Wednesday evening, following a meeting with the Director General of the National Sports Commission, Chief (Dr) Patrick Ekeji that the Calabar venue will host
the matches against Namibia and Rwanda respectively.

“It is settled. Together with the Director General, Chief (Dr) Ekeji, we looked at all the options available to us and we decided Calabar is the best choice for now. Although work has started on the pitch of the
National Stadium, Abuja, it will not be ready to host the match, especially with FIFA wanting us to confirm a venue by Friday,” said Maigari.

Maigari was at the DG’s Office with Executive Committee members High Chief Emeka Inyama, Barrister Chris Green, Dr. Shehu Adamu and the
General Secretary, Barrister Musa Amadu.

“We have to express heartfelt appreciation to Governor Liyel Imoke and his cabinet, as well as the good people of Cross River State, for accepting to host the Super Eagles,” added Maigari.

Nigeria take on Namibia on the opening day of the 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifying race on Sunday, June 3 before flying to Blantyre for a Day 2 match in the series against the Flames of Malawi on Saturday, June
9. The Eagles return to Nigeria to clash with the Amavubi of Rwanda in the return leg of a 2013 African Cup of Nations qualifying fixture on Sunday, June 17.

NFF has also confirmed that the Eagles, presently in camp in Abuja, will fly to Lima aboard an Iberia Airline flight on May 19, for an international friendly against Peru on May 23. The team will return to Nigeria on May 26 and head straight to Calabar.