Russia 2018: NFF Boss Tips Eagles For World Cup Glory

BY COBHAM NSA, ABUJA – Nigeria is in a strong position to emerge the surprise team at Russia 2018 World Cup with the prestigious trophy within its reach as champions of the world.

This is even as Governor Simon Lalong of Plateau State said the Super Eagles must be good ambassadors of Nigeria at the FIFA-organised global championship next year.

President of Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Mr Amaju Pinnick said the Eagles will do the nation proud at the global fiesta given the level of preparations being put in place by the Federation.

Addressing football stakeholders at the official opening of NFF’s Annual General Assembly (AGA) in Jos on Thursday, Pinnick said Nigeria is presently well-positioned for greater soccer glory having overcome the challenges that bedevilled the nation’s football in the recent past.

According to him, the highest achievement by the Federation so far is the country’s qualification for the World Cup in such astounding form, even as he assured that; “the preparations for World Cup have commenced in earnest as compared to the previous years.”

The NFF president further told the stakeholders that given “the kind of preparations we are putting in place, I think we can win the World Cup.”

On funding that has been the bane of Nigeria’s preparations for international tournaments, Pinnick said the Federation has never had it so good going by the huge backing it has enjoyed from the Federal Government and promises of more towards the Eagles’ prepartions and eventual participation at the global carnival.

He was full of praises for the Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Mr Solomon Dalung, noting that his unflinching support to NFF has seen the football house living up to its responsibilities throughout the African qualifiers so far.

According to the NFF boss, the Minister’s unwavering support proved vital and instrumental to Nigeria’s early qualification for the Russia 2018 World cup, with the outstanding game against Algeria now a mere formality.

Governor Simon Lalong of Plateau State, who declared open the Assembly, lauded the NFF for choosing the state as its host in the face of recent unfortunate killings by some unidentified gunmen.

Represented by the State Commissioner of Sports, Mr Danladi Mann, the Governor applauded NFF’s efforts at improving football administration in the country despite all its challenges.

He also pledged the State government support to the newly crowned Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) champions, Plateau United towards winning the CAF Champions League in its first outing in the continental tourney.

Also speaking at the occasion, NFF’s second Vice-President, Mr Shehu Dikko noted the remarkable improvement in sponsorship for the nation’s football.

He said with the right environment put in place by the present administration, more sponsors are interested and prepared to collaborate with the Federation to engender development and growth in the nation’s soccer space.