An extremely elated Minister of Sports, Bolaji Abdullahi at the weekned applauded the fighting spirit of the Super Eagles, which beat the Atlas Lions of Morocco yesterday to qualify for the semi final of the ongoing African Nations Championship in South Africa.
The Super Eagles came back from three goals down to defeat the Moroccans 4-3 in a thrilling quarterfinal match in Cape Town, which went into extra time.
Abdullahi said the team showed passion, discipline and commitment, which are hallmarks of the Nigerian spirit. “With the kind of overwhelming joy that followed the victory across our country, one cannot but feel that perhaps, these players are destined to win the trophy.”
He also disclosed that the NSC would offer the team the princely sum of 100,000USD if they beat their next opponent and qualify for the final of the CHAN tournament, which is for players in the domestic leagues of participating countries.
The NSC had earlier offered the team an incentive of 100,000USD if they beat Morocco and qualify for the semi final, which they did in a dramatic manner yesterday. The minister said the team would get the money before their next match on Wednesday.
Abdullahi stated the incentives are Government’s way of motivating the players to give their best and triumph over their opponents. He added that if the “boys qualify for the final and go ahead to win the trophy, they can be confident that a grateful nation will remember for a long time to come that they, with typical Nigerian grits and determination, have extended our dominance of African football.”
He however urged the team not to be lulled by its present victory but to focus on the ultimate prize, which is the CHAN trophy. “I have no doubt in my mind, that with the Almighty God on our side and with the same commitment and will to succeed, the home-based Super Eagles will continue to excel.”
