Aminu Maigari, the President of the Nigeria Football Association, on Sunday gave the assurance that the Super Eagles would secure the 2014 FIFA World Cup ticket.
The president was speaking against the backdrop of the next major soccer assignment to follow after the Golden Eaglets won the FIFA U-17 World Cup.
A statement released by NFA Assistant Director, Media, Ademola Olajire, in Abuja, quoted the president as saying that he was certain the Eagles would win the ticket.
Maigari relied on a 2-1 advantage over the Walya Antelopes of Ethiopia from the first leg, adding that the optimism was not being overconfident.
The statement added: “It has been a great year for Nigerian football, because we started the year with a trophy – the Africa Cup of Nations – in January and ending the year with another trophy – the U-17 World Cup.
“On November 16, we will pick up the ticket to the 2014 FIFA World Cup finals in Brazil.
“The Super Eagles have done the hard job in Ethiopia, but we cannot afford to be overconfident and drop our guards.
“So, the team will play the second leg game as if it is the World Cup final.”
It added that Maigari was appreciative of the support of Nigerians during the campaign for the FIFA U-17 World Cup.
“We really appreciate the prayers, support and encouragement of all Nigerians, starting with President Goodluck Jonathan,” Maigari was quoted as saying.
The statement noted that with hard work, perseverance, team work, purposefulness, dedication and doggedness, success was possible.
According to the statement: “While we celebrate the Eaglets’ triumph, we now have to focus on the 2014 World Cup qualifying match in Calabar.
“It is most important for our team to be at that biggest soccer showpiece in a year that our nation will be celebrating its Centenary.”
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