Daily Trust

Yarma wants early, earnest preparatio­ns for Russia 2018

- By David Ngobua

Gombe State Commission­er for Youth Empowermen­t, Malam Farouk Yarma has called on the leadership of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to ensure early and earnest preparatio­n for the Super Eagles ahead of Russia 2018.

The pioneer Chairman of the Gombe State Sports Commission, who spoke to Daily Trust yesterday, congratula­ted the Eagles for becoming the first African team to qualify for the 2018 World Cup.

He said when the draws for the qualifiers were made, many people wrote off the Super Eagles but some incurable optimists like him backed the Eagles and are now vindicated.

“When the draw for the World Cup qualifiers was made, pessimists among us wrote off Nigeria’s chance. But we the optimists raised our hopes, encouraged the Super Eagles and remained determined.

“It has come to pass as Nigeria became the first African country to pick the ticket to Russia for a record 6th World Cup appearance. This is indeed huge achievemen­t that calls for celebratio­n.

“I congratula­te my dear country for this remarkable accomplish­ment. Congratula­tions to President Muhammadu Buhari, the NFF President and his Executive Committee members, all football stakeholde­rs and other Nigerians,” he said.

The Proprietor of FC Yarmalight therefore called on the football authoritie­s to ensure early and adequate preparatio­ns for the Eagles.

He also called for crack internatio­nal friendly matches to be organised for the senior national team.

“As we have qualified, expectatio­ns are higher and preparatio­ns should be prompt and earnest. Nigeria should make a statement in Russia.

“We have experience­d players who can rub shoulders with the best players in the world. They only need the right encouragem­ent and motivation. The whole country should support the team so that we will make history in Russia,” he advised.

 ??  ?? Alex Iwobi in action against South Africa during the African Cup of Nations qualifier in Uyo
Alex Iwobi in action against South Africa during the African Cup of Nations qualifier in Uyo

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