03 June 2010

super eagles have landed

in News by Canaan Mdletshe

- MUSICAL WELCOME: Some of the Nigerian fans who gathered to greet their World Cup team at King Shaka Airport at La Mercy outside Durban yesterday. Pic. Thuli Dlamini. 02/06/2010. © Sowetan.

- PRIVILEGED: Nigeria coach Lars Lagerback speaks to the media. Pic. Reinhardt Hartzenberg. 02/06/2010. © Sowetan. Wednesday, 2 June 2010: The Nigerian Football Federation were the first team based in KwaZulu-Natal to arrive at the King Shaka International Airport today. The team was processed through South Africa's newest international airport with the efficiency that has become expected with the arrival of the FIFA World Cup squads into South Africa. They were met by a small delegation that include the Nigerian Ambassador and representatives of the Provincial Government, the Province's 2010 Co-ordination team, Ethekwini Municipality and Umgungudlovu Municipality. The team was then whisked off to Richards Bay where they will stay at the Protea Waterfront Hotel and train at the new state-of-the-art Umhlatuze Multi-Sports Centre. Meanwhile, a host of anxious team support and media tried to catch a glimpse of the team as they sped off.

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NIGERIA'S Super Eagles have finally arrived in Richards Bay on the north coast of KwaZulu-Natal.

The Super Eagles were expected to arrive on Tuesday, but only made it yesterday morning due to "technical problems".

The players immediately knuckled down to the serious business of training at their Richards Bay base after a brief press conference.

Head coach Lars Lagerback said it was a privilege to take part in the first-ever Fifa World Cup finals on the continent.

Lagerback said: "It's a privilege for me and for the players to be here. I am extremely happy."

Though he anticipates a mammoth task for his charges in the tournament that kicks off in seven days, Lagerback is optimistic that his squad will produce good results.

"Our group is not an easy one. Actually there's no easy group because every team that has qualified deserves to be here," the coach said.

"The preparations are good and if we keep on working hard, we stand a good chance of doing well. The way the players have adopted to my style is pleasing."

Captain Nwankwo Kanu said his team will do their best to fly the Nigerian flag high.

"Nobody knows what's going to happen but we are hoping for the best," said the veteran forward. Nigeria will be in Gauteng on Sunday for a friendly against North Korea.

The match will be played at Makhulong Stadium in Tembisa, starting at 4pm.

l It's all systems go at uMgungundlovu Municipality as they welcome Paraguay today. Mayor Yusuf Bhamjee said the visit had been preceded by months of high-level planning.

The team will arrive at the Oribi Airport at 3.30pm and proceed to Woodridge Country Hotel in Nottingham Road.