HighlightSports

Play Clean, Fair Football: Buhari backs Super Eagles to do Nigeria proud at World Cup

419

President Muhammadu Buhari  believes Nigeria boast the energy and vibrancy to make the country proud at the World Cup in Russia.

The president on Wednesday charged the Super Eagles to play fair and clean football and make Nigeria proud at the 2018 World Cup billed to start on the 14th of June, 2018.

While noting that as the youngest team going to the World Cup, the Super Eagles might be seen as inexperienced by their opponents, Buhari urged them to take advantage of the age and leave lasting impression, bearing in mind they have the support of over 180 million Nigerians.

“You are going to represent us in Russia, you must bear in mind that you are not just going for a tournament, with each game you must remember that you are carrying the passions, emotions and feelings of over 180 million people. Play fair and clean but demonstrate the gallant spirit which Nigerians are known for.

“Nothing unites Nigerians more than football and nothing will gladden the people of Nigeria more than for you to acquit yourself honourably by winning in Russia.

“You are the youngest team in the tournament which means you are likely the most inexperienced team, a fact that will not be lost on your opponents. But it is also something that you can use to your advantage.

 

PRESIDENT BUHARI RECEIVES SUPER EAGLE PLAYERS

“You have the full support and the blessings of all Nigerians who will look up to you for as long as the tournament  last.

“I commend the Nigerian Football Federation for drawing up the right programme that is helping to refine the team to the powerful force which it’s meant to be.

“This is our time, we look up to you to make us proud. All Nigerians join me in saying to you, best of luck. Thank you and God be with you all.”

The Youth and Sports Minister, Solomon Dalung, who noted that the team has qualified for the World Cup six times and have advanced to the round of 16, said this current team will exceed the record of previous outings.

He said, “As the present set of Super Eagles make sure that Nigeria’s flag is hoisted once more at the  tournament, they will do so conscious of the glorious outing of their predecessors while determined to make history themselves.

“This Super Eagles have already started on a very positive note by qualifying in style for Russia 2018. You will recall that when the super eagles were drawn in the so-called group of dead for the African qualifiers, not many gave them chance of qualification from the group that had African football giant like Cameroon, Algeria and Zambia. However, the Super Eagles shocked all doubting Thomas by not only qualifying for 2018 but doing so remarkably with a match to spare. Furthermore, they became the first team in Africa to qualify for the tournament.

“All these were made possible because of your support and frequent intervention Your Excellency, to ensure welfare of the team through the timely release of funds for the prosecution of the qualifier. This did not come as a surprise because since 1985 when the Nigerian Golden Eaglets won the FIFA World Cup under your administration then, your support for all the national team has not been in doubt.

Leave a comment

Related Articles

2Baba’s family petitions DSS over singer’s mysterious disappearance amid marital issues

…I’m not engaged to him, she fires back The ongoing marital crisis...

Russia, Nigeria Set for Historic Friendly Match

The Russian Football Union (RFU) has announced that the country’s men’s national...

Pres. Tinubu Arrives in Ethiopia for 38th AU Summit

President Bola Tinubu arrived in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on Thursday night to...

FCT President Cup: EFCC FC, Galadima FC, FWC FC, N-Youth Academy Secure Semifinal Spots

The stage is set for the semifinals of the FCT President Cup,...

Southwest Governors Move to Establish Joint Security Outfit to Counter Rising Banditry, Insurgency Threats

Amid rising concerns over the renewed spate of banditry and insurgency in...

Abiodun’s Investment Drive: Ogun to host West Africa’s largest cotton and apparel industry, targets 40,000 jobs

The biggest cotton and apparel industry in West Africa, with a capacity...

Fire ravages 7-Storey Lagos building, leaving trail of destruction

A devastating fire swept through a seven-storey commercial building located in the...

FCT Police, Military Join Forces to Neutralize Deadly Abuja Armed Robbery Gangs

A collaborative effort between the FCT Police Command, military personnel, and local...

Just in: Nigeria’s Green Chamber to observe February 13 as Murtala Mohammed Day

Exactly 49 years after his assassination, former Military Head of State, the...

Edo gov. poll tribunal: APC closes case after calling four witnesses

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has closed its defence in the ongoing...

Chelsea’s Goalkeeping Shake-Up: Jorgensen Replaces Sanchez as Number One

By Samuel Akpan with agency report Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has confirmed...

Flying Eagles Set for Tough Africa U20 Cup of Nations Campaign

Seven-time winners, Nigeria, face a tough test after being drawn into Group...

Court strikes out Police’s defamation suit against Farotimi

Chief Magistrate Abayomi Adeosun of the Ekiti State Chief Magistrates’ Court, Ado...

Grammy-Winning Artist Tems Makes History as First Nigerian Co-Owner of US Soccer Club

Grammy-winning Nigerian singer Temilade Openiyi a.k.a Tems, has joined MLS side San...

MTN Nigeria reverses 200% data bundle tariff hike, says It’s mistake

Nigeria’s telecommunications giant, MTN, has reversed its 15G data plan 200 percent...

FBN Holdings Transitions to First HoldCo Plc, Unveils New Identity

FBN Holdings Plc has officially announced its transition to First HoldCo Plc,...

Southwest Governors Converge on Lagos for Talks on Regional Development, Security

Governors Seyi Makinde (Oyo) Biodun Oyebanji (Ekiti), Lucky Aiyedatiwa (Ondo), Dapo Abiodun...

FG halts registration of new polytechnic, monotechnic for one year

In a move aimed at reforming Nigeria’s tertiary education system, the Minister...

Air Peace Flight Incident: Three Passengers Taken Into Custody for Disorderly Conduct

A mid-air incident on an Air Peace flight from London to Lagos...

Hours after national grid failure, TCN restores Omotosho-Ikeja West line

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) says it has restored the Omotosho-Ikeja...