NFF, Mikel, Musa, Iwobi salute Kaduna fans

The President of the Nigeria Football Federation Amaju Pinnick and some of his top ranking officials are full of praise for the Kaduna State government ahead of Friday's 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Egypt.

Pinnick, alongside Shehu Dikko, his second Vice President, Mohammed Sanusi, the General Secretary and the National Technical Director Amodu Shuaibu watched the Super Eagles train Wednesday evening and were left impressed with the state of the pitch and the attitude of the fans.

"We have been vindicated in our decision to bring this game to Kaduna. We could not chosen a better place," Pinnick opened up while addressing the team after their training session.

“I stand to be corrected that this pitch is the best in Nigeria at the moment."

The NFF president would go on to commend the Kaduna State Ministry of Youth and Sports and the management of the Ahmadu Bello Stadium for their effort in upgrading the facility.

He lauded the Kaduna fans who thronged the arena just to watch the Super Eagles train and drum up support for the players.

His words: 'If the fans can show the team this much love during a training session, what would happen during the game proper. I am sure the players loved it and this would spur them on during the game."

Turning out in appreciable number, the fans cheered every move, chanting the names of the players and coaches, recalling some of their recent exploits for their clubs and the country.

For Chelsea midfield gem John Mikel Obi, the attitude of the fans was very welcoming and would no doubt bring out the best in the team on Matchday.

" I have never played on this pitch before but I appreciate these fans for all the love and respect they have shown me and the team" Mikel told thenff.com

Arsenal's fast rising star Alex Iwobi said the fans created an incredible atmosphere for the team during the training session and he hopes it is replicated during the game.

" They were cheering every move and making us feel like going full blast like it was a real game. I have no doubt they will create this again on Friday," Iwobi said.

Team captain and CSKA of Moscow forward Ahmed Musa described the fans as fantastic, urging them to complete the good job they have started by cheering the Super Eagles to victory against Egypt.

"The fans are fantastic, they have created an excellent environment for us. We just want them to complete this on Friday by cheering us to victory," Musa appealed.