President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan was the surprise special guest at the Super Eagles training session Saturday in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia as he stormed the National Stadium, venue of the session, to ginger the players up ahead of the World Cup qualifier on Sunday against Ethiopia.
Accompanied by the Nigerian envoy to Ethiopia and other aides, including his spokesman, Dr. Reuben Abati, President Jonathan, who was received by the President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Alhaji Aminu Maiagari, said he came to reassure the players and officials that he will remain ever supportive of the national team.
He charged the team to go all out for victory in Sunday’s match.
He said Nigerians from all over the world expect nothing less than the World Cup ticket to Brazil 2014 World Cup.
“I am sure that you will not only qualify for the World Cup but we are going there not to add up the numbers but to make an impact at the championship,” he said.
Responding, Maigari, who was with the Technical Committee Chairman, Barrister Chris Green; the General Secretary, Musa Amada; Head, Technical, Emmanuel Ikpeme; and board member, Shehu Adamu, assured the President that the team will not let the nation down.
He again pleaded for continued support to the NFF to enable it carry out its statutory duties, a plea to which President Jonathan acceded.
Team Captain, Vincent Enyeama, said the visit of the President, who is attending the Golden Jubilee meeting of the African Union, could not have come at a better time.
Enyeama promised that the players will show that they appreciate his concern for the welfare of the team with a good outing on Sunday.
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