Super Eagles players and coaches have assured Nigerians of
their determination to earn a spot at the 22nd FIFA World Cup finals to be held
in Qatar between November 14 and December 18, 2022.
At a virtual meeting with the Minister of Youth and Sports,
Sunday Dare, and chieftains of the Nigeria Football Federation on Tuesday night,
Coaches Augustine Eguavoen and Emmanuel Amuneke, as well as the playing body,
said they were aware of the huge challenge that Ghana’s Black Stars would
present in next month’s two-legged play-off.
They, however, insisted that they were determined to emerge
victoriously.
“The FIFA World Cup is the biggest football tournament in
the world, and every player wants to feature there,” said Captain Ahmed Musa.
“A good number of the players in the team now have not been there, and the few
of us that have been there, want to experience it again.
“We just want the NFF to help us get enough fans into the
Abuja Stadium for the second leg. We will go to Ghana and dig our feet and
ensure we get a result.
“We must admit that Ghana also want to qualify and they have
a strong team. The return leg will be crucial and we are ready for the battle,
but we want our fans to be in there cheering us on.”
Lessons Learnt
For the team’s technical adviser, Augustine Eguavoen, it is
always an honour to serve the country and he is impressed with the high level
of discipline and commitment of the players at the AFCON in Cameroon.
“I feel privileged to lead the group. We have two tough
games against Ghana next month but I am not too worried because we have a squad
that knows it is a mountain that we have to climb.
“We have a good headache to deal with – which is a surplus
of good players. I want to thank the government and the NFF for all the support
during the AFCON; we will need even greater support for the World Cup
play-off.”
The Super Eagles Chief Coach, Emmanuel Amuneke, on his part
said he was privileged to work with the team.
“I have worked with some of the players in the U-17 and U-20
teams, and some others I have known for many years. We have the team to earn
the World Cup ticket and we will put our best foot forward for each game,” he
promised.
According to Deputy Captain William Ekong, the players are
aware of the big task ahead and only want the government to ensure that the
pitch of the MKO Abiola National Stadium in Abuja is in ‘pristine condition’
for the return leg encounter against the Black Stars.
“We loved the pitch of the stadium in Garoua and it helped
us play some good football. We would be delighted if the Abuja Stadium is in
similar condition for the second leg.”
World Cup Ticket Non-Negotiable
In his opening remark, Mr Dare praised the players for their
efforts at the AFCON, saying lessons have been learnt from the defeat to
Tunisia in the Round of 16.
“I know you are still unhappy about the loss to Tunisia, but
I want you to visit the anger of the defeat by Tunisia on Ghana. We all know
about the history of the rivalry between Nigeria and Ghana in football and this
is one fixture that we must not lose.
“We know that dogged spirit is there in you, and we also
want you to see yourself as one big family. We have confidence in you that you
can do it and will give you all the support.
“Coaches Eguavoen and Amuneke have smooth access to the NFF
President and he will always be ready to provide what you need. As for the
pitch of the MKO Abiola National Stadium, we have experts working there all the
time and I assure you it will be in perfect condition for the match.”
NFF President and FIFA Council Member, Amaju Pinnick, in his
remarks, charged the players to face the two-leg fixture with even greater
determination and play with grit, guts, and zest.
“These are two very crucial matches in which you have to
give more than your best. Winning the World Cup ticket is non-negotiable.”
Also at the meeting was NFF General Secretary, Dr Mohammed
Sanusi. Among the players present were Victor Osimhen, Abdullahi Shehu, Sadiq
Umar, Jamilu Collins, Frank Onyeka, Oluwasemilogo Ajayi, Kelechi Nwakali, and
Wilfred Ndidi.
Others are Zaidu Sanusi, Joseph Ayodele-Aribo, Oghenekaro
Etebo, Daniel Akpeyi, Peter Olayinka, Taiwo Awoniyi, Moses Simon, Kelechi
Iheanacho, Alex Iwobi, Samuel Chukwueze, Samuel Kalu, and Henry Onyekuru.
Nigeria, who have featured in six of the last seven FIFA
World Cup finals, slug it out with the Black Stars in Cape Coast on March 24
before both teams face again at the MKO Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, three
days later.
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