Date Published: 11/15/09

PRESS STATEMENT

FEDERAL GOVERNMENT CONGRATULATES THE SUPER EAGLES

The Federal Government received with great relief and joy the cheering news of Nigeria’s qualification to the 2010 World Cup slated for South Africa next year.

Nigeria’s qualification to the global tournament followed a 3-2 defeat of the Kenyan National Team this afternoon in Nairobi and the similar 1-0 defeat of Nigeria’s closest rival in the group, Tunisia in Maputo.

Before the conclusion of the final group matches, many Nigerians were in doubt of Nigeria’s qualification as one of Africa’s representatives in the 2010 World Cup.

This is why the triumph of the Super Eagles is not only a big relief but a product of the team’s resilience, demonstration of undying Nigeria spirit, discipline and commitment of the players, the coaching crew and officials even when the odds were totally against them.

Also worthy of mention is the valued contributions of the Presidential Committee set up for this purpose by President Umar Musa Yar’Adua, the Nigerian Football Federation and the Federal Ministry of Sports.

The Federal Government indeed appreciates the resounding solidarity of Nigeria Supporters’ Club, sports loving Nigerians within and outside the country and the media for their informed analysis.

It is important to state that Government is aware of certain lapses observed in the team, challenges in organization experienced during the group qualifying matches and wishes to reassure all Nigerians of the readiness of President Umar Musa Yar’Adua’s administration to address these lapses before the African Cup of Nations slated for Angola and the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

Government wishes to reiterate her full commitment to provide whatever is necessary to enable the Super Eagles do Nigeria proud in Angola and South Africa next year.

Government also uses this opportunity to send her felicitations to the Golden Eaglets of Nigeria as the team takes on Switzerland tomorrow at the Abuja National Stadium in the finals of the Under-17 World Cup.

While congratulating the Team for the excellent performance so far, it is important to urge the team to remember that Nigerians expects nothing short of victory in tomorrow’s finals.

I therefore appeal to all residents of Abuja and neighboring States to move en-mass tomorrow to Abuja national Stadium to cheer the Golden Eaglets to victory.

Prof. Dora Akunyili

Hon. Minister of Information & Communications.

14 th November, 2009