The President of the Senate, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara, on Saturday congratulated the Super Eagles of Nigeria and all Nigerians on the nation’s qualification for the FIFA World Cup, scheduled to hold in Russia next year.
Saraki and Dogara spoke in separate statements from their media offices.
Saraki, in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Yusuph Olaniyonu, said he was in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital, and witnessed firsthand the dedication, poise and consistency of our players, adding that these attributes of the team have given hope to all Nigerians that our team will represent Africa well at the next World Cup.
“I want to congratulate our players for the way they played throughout the whole qualifying phase,” the Senate president said, adding: “From the way that they continue to play and improve, it is my hope, and the hope of millions across the country that our Super Eagles will represent our nation and the continent well at next year’s World Cup.”
The Senate president also stated that the Senate would work to ensure that our players are well equipped and well-prepared for the 2018 outing, while also urging the Nigerian Football Federation and the Ministry of Sports to not take their feet off the pedal ahead of 2018.
He said: “Right now, we must begin to plan and work towards victory for our Super Eagles.
“They have made us proud on the field, now, the NFF, the Ministry of Sports, the sponsors, and all concerned stakeholders must work together to ensure that our players and the team thrives at the World Cup.
“As our players continue to make us all proud and demonstrate the greatness in our diversity, I want to also congratulate all Nigerians. We can truly achieve great things when we work and stand together.”
Dogara gave his own commendation in a statement issued by Turaki Hassan, his Special Adviser on Media and Public Affairs, on Saturday in Abuja.
The speaker also hailed members of the national team for their dedication, patriotism, and commitment for doing Nigeria proud.
“The Super Eagles have once again made us all very proud. Being the first African team to qualify for the World Cup is no small feat, and the sense of patriotism and dedication to national duty must be commended by all,” he said.
He further pledged the commitment of the House of Representatives to prioritising sports development and ensuring better welfare for athletes.
He said: “The team can be rest assured that they will always have the support of the House, as we’ve proven over time that the welfare of our athletes and development of sports in the country are of utmost importance to us.
“They have done a great job flying the Nigerian flag and we wish them success at the World Cup tournament in Russia next year.”
The Speaker, therefore, called for early preparations for the 2018 World Cup.
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