The Super Eagles were given every necessary support to qualify for the 2017 African Cup of Nations, Afcon, president of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Amaju Pinnick, said on Wednesday in Abuja.
Addressing newsmen shortly after arriving from Egypt, he said it was rather unfortunate that the team could not pick Afcon ticket.
Prompt News recalls that the Eagles lost 1-0 to the Pharaohs in Alexandria, Egypt on Tuesday.
Amaju said the priority of the Federation now would be to ensure that Nigeria qualify for 2018 World Cup.
He also assured that the NFF would utilise all available FIFA international day windows to arrange for friendlies for the Eagles with a view to making them better.
According to him, “We are in talks already with our consultant in making sure that the two available windows in June will be properly put to use.
The NFF boss spoke further “I want to explain to Nigerians through this medium what transpired and all what we did for Nigeria not to have been ousted from the qualifiers to the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
“We did everything humanly and materially possible to make sure we qualify. We did not leave any stone unturned. Just at the last minute, when we were about to celebrate (in Kaduna), a goal came. To me, I just see it as destiny. But our focus now is shifted principally to the next World Cup.
“Chad coincidentally pulled out, just when we were thinking that even if we emerged with 11 points we might have ended up being one of the best losers.
“The truth is that destiny counted against us,’’ he said.
Pinnick said the Eagles still have a very bright future, adding “We see a future that is very robust. The only thing that we can do is to sit down and get advice from anybody who is ready to offer.
“But, first, let us expunge from our mind any form of bitterness and acrimony to move the nation’s football forward”.
