Benin Republic forces Super Eagles to train in darkness

THE Super Eagles were harshly dealt with by their Beninoise hosts yesterday as they prepared for today’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.

The Nigerian contingent arrived in Cotonou yesterday afternoon by boat from Lagos and planned to train and stay over in the city before proceeding by road for the short journey to Porto Novo for the game this morning.

The Eagles got to the stadium in Cotonou to train in the evening but the floodlights were not turned on for them when it got dark.

Those present at the stadium said the team had to train in darkness for at least 30 minutes as the stadium authorities refused to turn on the lights.

Scenes like these are not uncommon in African football, with host teams doing their utmost to make life uncomfortable for their visitors ahead of key matches.

Although Nigeria has often tried to be good hosts, the country’s teams are usually treated with hostility when they travel across Africa.

The Super Eagles face Benin Republic in a key AFCON qualifier today in Porto Novo, with a draw enough to see Gernot Rohr’s team through.