Before the Super Eagles stepped out for their first game at the ongoing CHAN 2013 tourney and after the game, the Nigeria Football Federation and indeed the government believe that the team has the potential of lifting the championship trophy.
NFF President, Aminu Maigari and Nigeria’s Ambassador to South Africa, Ambassador Sunday.S Yusuf stated their positions while addressing the players at their Garden Court De Waal hotel, which also houses the Mambas of Mozambique, the next opponents of the Nigerian side.
Maigari, who has been variously praised as the best football manager ever in Nigeria said he was certain that with the caliber of players and officials in the Super Eagles, the team will make Nigerians proud by winning the trophy on February 1, when the final is played. “We are a winning nation and the Eagles are a winning brand, come February 1, I will be here along with your coach Stephen Keshi to lift this trophy for Nigerians”, he said. He praised the commitment of the players and officials and asked them not to waiver in the pursuit of the national course.
Ambassador Yusuf, in his remarks said the Eagles are bigger ambassadors than those who are officially posted by the government, as they bring joy to every home in Nigeria through their heroics. He assured that the embassy will do everything possible to make the Eagles stay in South Africa pleasant but enjoined the team to forget the past and concentrate on winning the trophy. “This is a fertile ground for us to win trophies and the ball is in your court to go and once again make Nigerians happy”, he said.
