Buhari, Saraki, Dogara Celebrate As Eagles Fly Nigeria to Russia

President Muhammadu Buhari has congratulated the Super Eagles on their victory over the Chipolopolo of Zambia, describing it as “very sweet, soothing and a 57th Independence Anniversary gift to the nation.”

The Super Eagles, at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, Akwa Ibom, yesterday defeated the Zambian national football team by 1 - 0 through a goal by Alex Iwobi.

The President, in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Femi Adesina, applauded the Super Eagles for the feat of making Nigeria the first African country to qualify for Russia 2018 FIFA World Cup tournament, with a match left to play.

He, therefore, joined millions of football-loving Nigerians in rejoicing with the players and their coaching crew.

President Buhari called on all Nigerians to apply the values of perseverance, resilience, discipline, hard work and team-spirit, which propelled the players to excel since the beginning of the qualifying matches, to all sectors of national life.

The President promised that the Federal Government would continue to support the team within available resources so that the nation will maximise the unifying potentials of sports in general and football in particular.

He enjoined the entire team and Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) officials to “remain steadfast and focused when they begin preparations for the global football fiesta in order to make Nigeria proud.”