A cross section of Super Eagles players are not at ease with the reality of playing Namibia's Brave Warriors on an astro turf in the June 12 FIFA World Cup qualifier Complete Sports can report.
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Most of the players expressed concerns over the unfavourable playing condition astro-turf portends coupled with injury scare the turf inflicts on players.
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According to them, playing on artificial turf affects the flow of the game and more importantly poses serious threat to their knees and ankles.
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Indeed, some of the players wore long faces after the news broke that Namibia had moved the much anticipated encounter to an artificial turf.
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"That is bad news for all I care", begins Godfrey Oboabona.
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"Playing on astro turf poses lots of threats to your career as a defender because you're much more into the business of dealing with aerial balls which require that you jump almost at all times. Then it is the landing that usually causes fracture to your knees if you lose your balance.
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"Unlike the grass, artificial is known for it's hard surface, beside the ball does not give you the right bounce. But then we can't really complain, all we need do is to approach the game as professionals, hopefully we will come out victorious by God's grace," Oboabona said.
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Ahmed Musa was the match winner, as Nigeria pipped hosts Kenya 1-0 on Wednesday to stay on track for a place at the 2014 World Cup. This was Coach Stephen Keshi's first away win in a competitive game.
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African champions Nigeria now have eight points from four matches to lead Group F ahead of Malawi, who are on six points after they were held to a goalless draw in Blantyre also on Wednesday by third-placed Namibia.
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Nigeria will be guests of Namibia next Wednesday, while Malawi host Kenya in continuation of the qualifying tournament.
They shouldn't hate playing anywhere. They have to just concentrate on playing perfectly. The players must be perfect.