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| President Jonathan and the Super Eagles |
President Goodluck Jonathan has urged the Super Eagles boost the nation’s image by working hard to win the Federation International Football Association (FIFA) 20th soccer World Cup holding in Brazil.
Jonathan’s goodwill message was delivered by the leader of the Federal Government’s delegation and President of the Senate, David Mark, to the team at Campinas, São Paulo.
The President according to a statement by the Special Adviser
Media to the Senate President, Kola Ologbondiyan in Abuja, said: “Football is our nation’s greatest unifying factor in the face of our current national challenges.”
“You can not afford to disappoint the nation because with your performance at this World Cup tournament, we can recreate a new image for our great country,” he further said.
He recalled the Super Eagles’ sterling performances at various tournaments in the past, and maintained that the current team can relive such brilliant performances in Brazil.
“Concentrate on the main objective of bringing the cup home to make Nigeria and Africa proud.
“I therefore urge you to win the first match against Iran in a way that will send a very clear message to the remaining teams in this tournament that you are in Brasil to win the World Cup.
“You must keep the resilient Nigerian spirit with you, be patriotic in exhibiting your prowesses and go the extra mile to bring the cup home.
“Nigerians are eagerly waiting to celebrate you when you come home with the cup.”
Coach Stephen Keshi, told the President of the Senate, to “assure President Jonathan that we will make Nigeria proud. We will exhibit the character of being a Nigerian and make the nation as well as Africa proud.
“We are very prepared and if it is possible to take the game right now, we are ready.”
Earlier, the captain of the team, Joseph Yobo told the delegation that playing for the nation confers a huge responsibility on the team noting however that “it is a task we can achieve.
“We have come a very long way to be here but are prepared and more motivated having seen you to fight like lions. We will make our nation, our family and Africa proud,” Yobo said.