AFCON 2013: NFF contacted us for return tickets ahead of Cote d’Ivoire clash- Ogenyi Onazi

Former Lazio midfielder Ogenyi Onazi revealed that return tickets were purchased for the Nigerian national team in anticipation of their 2013 Africa Cup of Nations qualification tie against Côte d’Ivoire.

At the time, the Super Eagles of Nigeria, led by the late Stephen Keshi, were considered underdogs and underrated due to their previous performances.

Reports suggest that the Nigeria Football Federation had already arranged return tickets, assuming they wouldn’t defeat the formidable Ivory Coast team in the quarterfinals.

Onazi explained in an interview with Soccernet’s Managing Editor, Lolade Adewuyi, that they were asked about their post-match plans to determine their travel arrangements.

“It was not handed out to us, but we were contacted. They were asking, ‘Where are you going to? Are you going to Nigeria, or are you going back to your club?'” he said.