Super Eagles into Hall of Fame - The Nigerian Government has said it is ready to make the present set of Super Eagles players become the first beneficiaries of the National Sports Hall of Fame that was recently given approval by President Goodluck Jonathan.
Sports Minister and Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Mallam Bolaji Abdulahi, said on Friday, while addressing players and officials of the Super Eagles at their Garden Court Hotel abode in Milpark, South Africa, that the government has also mapped out a heroic welcome for the team by Monday next week.
Mallam Abdulahi, who was in company of NFF President, Aminu Maigari, Director, Elite Athletes, National Sports Commission, Dr. Bolaji Ojo-Oba, NFF board members, Chris Green and Chief Felix Anyansi-Agwu, said the government is proud of the achievement of the team so far but added that the team must complete the job by winning the trophy.
“Victory is not everything but victory is the only thing,' he declared, urging the team to go all out for victory in the final against the Stallions of Burkina Faso at the Soccer City in Soweto on Sunday.
Also speaking, Maigari thanked government at the highest level for the huge support the team has been receiving so far, assuring that all obligations to the team have been met, thanks to the express approval by government at all spheres.
The NFF President revealed that he has already received words from President Jonathan of another tele-conference with the team before the final, as the last one so motivated the players that the President feels they need his tonic to excel in Sunday’s grand finale.
Head Coach Stephen Keshi, spoke in similar vein, noting that the team has come too far in the competition to let its guards down.
On his part, Skipper Joseph Yobo thanked the minister for always being there for his team, assuring that the team has resolved to unite and win the Nations Cup trophy for Nigeria.
“We will not disappoint Mr. President who has been so supportive and we cannot let our families and the people of Nigeria down. We are certain that the trophy will be won fair and square on Sunday,' he promised.
Also on Friday, Midfield star John Mikel Obi, declared that the strength of the Nigerian team is togetherness and unity which, he said, was missing in previous squads.
“We are together, united and playing for each other and that has accounted for where we are today. All credit must go to the coach who took a gamble on a very young squad, because I’m just 25 years old but am looking like the oldest in the team.
'This team will not only win the trophy on Sunday for the Nigerian people but will also win many more trophies for a long time to come,' Mikel added.
Pana 08/02/2013