President Goodluck Jonathan will travel to the FIFA World Cup finals in Brazil once the Super Eagles earn a place in the last eight, Sports Minister, Tammy Danagogo, disclosed in London on Tuesday, while addressing the players at a brief post-training session at the Craven Cottage.
Also, President of Nigeria of Nigeria Football Federation, Aminu Maigari has demanded a winning mentality from the Eagles as the countdown begins for the 20th FIFA World Cup finals.
Football’s biggest showpiece opens on June 12 with Nigeria housed alongside two –time champions Argentina, debutants Bosnia-Herzegovina and Iran in Group F. but Maigari insists a winning mentality must be developed right from Wednesday’s friendly with Scotland’s Tartan Army at Craven Cottage in London.
“We must take this game by the scruff, in order to develop a ‘no prisoner’ mentality. Once you have a winning mentality, it is difficult to lose, whether in a friendly or competitive match,” Maigari said after the team’s training session at Craven Cottage on Tuesday.
Maigari contended that beating Scotland, Greece and USA in the run-in to the finals in Brazil would imbue the players with a special attitude that would be carried on to the World Cup.
“I believe in this team and what you can do at the FIFA World Cup. The opportunity beckons for you to lift the country’s name higher than ever before and I know you have the ability and the capacity to do just that.”
Dr. Danagogo praised Coach Stephen Keshi and his assistants for the great job they continue to do on the African champions, and hailed the players for their patriotism and high sense of duty. All 30 players on the provisional list and technical and backroom staff were present.
Also at the post-training talk were NFF Executive Committee members Green, Muazu Suleyman, Yusuf Ahmed Fresh and Ahmad Muazu Kawu, NFF’s Assistant Director (Communications) Ademola Olajire and aides of the Honourable Minister.
