It was a busy and exciting Monday for the Super Eagles and their crew as Sports Minister, Hon Tammy Danagogo accompanied by the Director General of the National Sports Commission, Hon Gbenga Elegbeleye and NFF President Pinnick Amaju, paid a surprise visit to the team during its evening training session at the mainbowl of the National Stadium in Abuja.
The Minister in his brief address to the players said he was doubly sure that Nigeria will qualify for the championship in Morocco, adding that obstacles that have been noticed have been eliminated. He assured players and officials of the team of President Goodluck Jonathan’s support in the remaining three qualifiers leading to the finals in Morocco.
The Minister said the team must not be distracted by criticisms from Nigerians, adding that they were doing that because of the huge believe they have in the capacity of the team to deliver. “If someone has absolute believe in you and you disappoint him a little he gets overboard, but go and restore that belief by winning the remaining three matches which will ensure you land in Maroc 2015”, he said.
The NFF President spoke in a similar vein, declaring that whatever the team will need to qualify, including his possible resignation for qualification will be made available. Amaju later came to the Eagles camp at the Bolton White Apartments, where he held two separate meetings behind closed doors, first with the technical crew led by Stephen Keshi and later the players. He refused to disclose his interaction with both parties, saying he was only making consultation with them because he wants a very strong and positive start for the new leadership of the NFF, which he heads.
Ahmed Musa Promises Birthday Goals…As Kanu Tips Team
As has become the tradition in the Super Eagles camp, Russian based striker, Ahmed Musa received a surprise birthday gift when all the players took turns in bathing him with water during Tuesday early morning training session of the national team.
The players took the petit winger, who returned to training on Tuesday morning after resting for a day following a knock he received in the first leg game in Sudan by surprise. Those who could not grab water cans, poured balls on him before training started under the early morning breeze of Abuja.
Speaking when the team returned to its camp base, Musa said he has suspended celebration till after the much desired win against Sudan on Wednesday. “After that we can paint the town red because we would have gotten our qualification hopes back on track. However, team skipper Vincent Enyeama, said there will be a short cake cutting ceremony during dinner, according to him, just to show him that he is loved by all and sundry in the team”.
Similarly, Nigerian legend, Nwankwo Kanu, says there will be no stopping the Super Eagles in the last three qualifier games for the Maroc 2015 Nations Cup. “I know the caliber of players in this team, some of them I have played with. I know the coaching crew and all the assistants, the slogan now is operation win all games”, he declared.
Kanu called for total support from all Nigerians at home and in the Diaspora, noting that what the team is passing through at the moment is common with great teams and all they need to bounce back is the support and understanding of their people.
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