Julius OkorieChairman National Sports Commission, Mallam Shehu Dikko , has charged Super Eagles to maintain the tempo as they host Warriors of Zimbabwe at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo on Tuesday.
Dikko still in a party mood, following Eagles jinx breaking performance against Wasps of Rwanda in Kigali on Friday, assured that the Commission will offer the team maximum support in the quest to earn ticket to the 2026 World Cup in USA, Mexico and Canada.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelRecall that Nigeria failed in her bid to feature at the last World Cup in Qatar after losing a two legged play-offs against Black Stars of Ghana in Kumasi and Abuja respectively.
Dikko who led a high powered delegation to Kigali to cheer the Eagles to victory, gave virtually every member of the team and technical crew a pat on the back after the encounter for a job well done.
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He said, “You have done us proud today. You have shown that true Nigerian never-say-die spirit. Let me on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR and indeed the teeming Nigerian football faithful congratulate you for this performance. The President has mandated us to ensure that Nigeria’s flag is hoisted at the World Cup and we will do all we can to support the NFF to deliver the ticket.”
“Tuesday is another day. Let’s consolidate on what we have done here today. Indeed what happened here today is what I can call preparation meets competence and capability as you guys are very talented and exceptional players. Thus we move on the same lane and three points against Zimbabwe is non-negotiable”, he added.
Director-General of the Commission, Bukola Olopade, added that everything will be done to ensure that Nigeria’ does not miss back to back slot at the World Cup.
“We are solidly behind this team. They have to be rest assured that the commission will back them to the hilt to make sure that we don’t miss out of the World Cup consecutively. We have done our own and we are happy that they have delivered on the pitch”, said Olapade.
Meanwhile, Super Eagles Coach, Eric Chelle, says there is no time to waste ahead of the next clash against Zimbabwe. After winning the match against Rwanda he said, focus must quickly shift to the next match.
“We need to be ready for the next game. I prefer to focus on my team rather than discussing weaknesses. My priority is analysing and improving our own play,” he said
Eagles who arrived Uyo on Saturday afternoon, have since settled down and are billed to have a training session at the training pitch of the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, on Sunday (today).
While the Eagles take on Zimbabwe on Tuesday, Rwanda will be home to Lesotho in Kigali while Benin Republic tutored by former Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr will host South Africa who are currently leading the group with 10 points.
Despite losing to Eagles, Rwanda still occupy the third place on the log with seven points a point below second placed Benin Republic with 8 points.
Zimbabwe have also arrived Nigeria for Tuesday’s showdown. The Warriors have reportedly been promised a whopping $150,000 cash reward to beat Eagles. The team had earlier been offered the same amount to beat Benin Republic but ended up pulling a 2-2 draw with Gernot Rohr tutored side on Thursday.
Julius Okorie is Chief Sports and Entertainment Correspondent for Prime Business Africa. He began his journalism career with the Champion Newspaper and Sporting Champion and later moved on to Daily Independent and the Nation Newspapers. Okorie joined Prime Business Africa in 2024 bringing on board 20 years of experience in writing investigative news on Sports and Entertainment. His well researched and highly informative articles on Sports Business and general entertainment are followed by a wide range of audience.
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