The Minister of Youth and Sports Barrister Solomon Dalung has commended the Technical and coaching crew of the Nigeria Football Federation NFF for efforts being put into preparations for the FIFA World Cup in Russia next month.
Barrister Dalung expressed delight in the team’s show of commitment, patriotism and unity of purpose as the World Cup in Russia gradually gets closer.
He urged the team and other stakeholders to continue to produce the desired results in their friendly games and aspire to win the cup.
“I sincerely commend the Federal government and Nigerians for their unflinching support and solidarity to the team and officials. As we look forward to playing our remaining friendly matches with DR Congo, England and the Czech Republic, government assures you that every step will be taken to ensure a smooth operation of the matches.
I also appeal to Nigerians to show their solidarity and support to see the team to victory.”
Barrister Dalung however emphasized that priority will be given to the team including officials before considering issues of sponsoring individuals.
” We appreciate the desire of Nigerians to travel to Russia and support the team but it is worthy of note that every plan on ground will focus on the welfare of the team and officials before considering issues of sponsoring people to support the team because of economic realities on ground.
“The team having qualified for the World Cup is a Nigerian team therefore, preparation of delegations and mobilization of support is the exclusive preserve of the Federal government of Nigeria.”
The Minister said that the NFF is preoccupied with preparation of the team and its officials for the competition and should not be distracted with the award of slots to prospective supporters to Russia.
“I urge the Federation to concentrate on its mandate and avoid the distraction of allocation of slots to people interested in traveling to Russia for the World Cup.
“However, any Nigerian with the capacity to travel to Russia to support the Super Eagles is not limited by this advice.
“I wish the Super Eagles of Nigeria the best and look forward to an amazing performance in Russia 2018,” Dalung said.
