President Goodluck Jonathan believes that the Super Eagles possess the qualities to upset world powers and make a major impact at the ongoing World Cup being hosted in the South American country of Brazil.
Speaking through Senate President David Mark, who led a powerful Federal government delegation to wish the Eagles well in the championship, Jonathan said it was time an African country wins the World Cup, adding that the African champions are motivated enough to do the magic.
“When we won the Olympics gold medal at Atlanta 96, we defeated countries like Argentina and Brazil, so I believe we can have a repeat performance at this year’s World Cup, with the talents available to us in this team,” he said.
The Federal Government delegation which includes Ministers of the Federal Capital Territory, Senator Bala Muhammed, Youth, Bonny Haruna, Culture, Chief Edem Duke and host Sports Minister, Tammy Danagogo, who also declared that he has absolute confidence in the abilities of the team to cause upsets in the championship that will remain indelible in soccer annals.
Also in attendance were two state governors including that of Cross River, Senator Liyel Imoke, where the team played all its qualifiers for the World Cup, Chairman Senate Committee on Sports, Sen. Adamu Gumba and his House of Representatives counterpart, Hon Godfrey Gaya.
Senator Mark assured that the government was ready to do all it can within available resources to make the team comfortable in the championship, adding that he will personally remain to attend all the team’s games in the opening rounds of the championship. He praised the good conduct of the players so far and thanked the Mayor of Campinas, Mr Donas Donizete, who was also present for his support for the team.
NFF President, Alhaji Aminu Maigari, said he was thrilled that such a delegation was in town to motivate the players and officials of the team.
Maigari assured that with the caliber of players paraded by the African champions, Nigerians and indeed
Africans will not be wide of the mark if they start thinking of winning the World Cup.
Responding, Head Coach of the team, Stephen Okechukwu Keshi said he was happy to see top government functionaries visiting the team before they kick their first ball of the tournament as that has been a motivating factor for him in his playing days, which saw him captaining the squad for 14 years.
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