THISDAYonline

Trinidad and Tobago's Technical Adviser, Festus Onigbinde has thrown a challenge to Nigeria Football Association (NFA) for a friendly duel between his team and the Super Eagles in Lagos.

The Nigerian who once headed NFA's Technical Committee but had to resign in protest to former Sports Minister Chief Jim Nwobodo's continued interference, assured NFA that they would pay their fares to and from Lagos for the match.

A letter to NFA signed by Jack Warner the CONCACAF President said that Trinidad and Tobago would be coming with its full squad, which will include the Manchester United's hitman, Dwight Yorke.

The letter added that Onigbinde needs the match to shape up his team for Japan/Korea 2002 World Cup qualifier.

The match will afford Onigbinde to prove mettle having been sidelined by football administrators in Nigeria since the Osun State born tactician resigned from NFA in 1996. Warner's suggested date for the encounter is March when Nigeria will also be preparing for a crucial duel with the Black Stars of Ghana in African qualifier for the World Cup in 2002.

NFA's sources said that the Football House in Abuja was yet to respond to the request as Nigerian Technical Adviser, Bonfrere Jo was yet to be informed.

Trinidad and Tobago is atop CONCACAF group C with 15 points ahead of Mexico -- 13 points, Canada -- 5 points and Panama -- one point.

Trinidad and Tobago has played six matches in the qualifier, winning five and losing one to Mexico in Mexico City scandalously by 7 - 0 in October last year.

But the country rallied round to pound Panama 6 - 0 in August with Dwight Yorke scoring two of the goals.

Top two countries from each group in the zone go through to a final group of six where another round of play-off on home and away basis will produce three qualifiers that will represent CONCACAF at the World Cup.