In preparation for the Brazil 2014 World Cup and aiming to defend their title as African champions, Super Eagles coach Stephen Keshi has proposed a unique training camp location – the United States. Keshi explains that the choice is based on the similarity in weather conditions between the U.S. and Brazil during the training phase.
“I suggested that we set up camp in the United States because when we start our training phase, the weather will be the same as in Brazil,” stated Keshi. He further elaborated that several American cities, such as Miami or Houston – the latter having a significant Nigerian community – experience high temperatures similar to Sao Paulo, the chosen base camp for the Super Eagles during the World Cup (scheduled from June 12 to July 13).
Previously, Nigerian football leaders had considered training in Argentina or Colombia, but the focus is now on the U.S. as a potential preparation ground. Nigeria’s pre-World Cup training is set to commence on May 25, with Japan expected to be one of the opponents in a friendly tournament. In the 2014 World Cup, Nigeria is drawn into Group F, facing challenges from Argentina, Bosnia-Herzegovina, and Iran.