Eagles Will Qualify for World Cup, AFCON 2019, Says Pinnick
Inaugurates new Footballers’ Union secretariat in Lagos
Even as most Nigerian football fans are yet to get over Super Eagles 2-0 loss to Bafana Bafana of South Africa last Saturday in Uyo, President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Amaju Pinnick, has assured all stakeholders that the three-time African champions will qualify for both the 2018 World Cup and 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Speaking at the official inauguration of the secretariat of National Association of Nigerian Professional Footballers (NANPF) in Oregun Lagos yesterday, Pinnick insisted that what happened in Uyo was an eye opener for both the players and technical crew of the team
“I can assure you that the Super Eagles will qualify for the 2018 World Cup in Russia and the 2019 Nations Cup in Cameroon. What happened in Uyo (the 2-0 loss to South Africa) is an eye opener for the players and the coaches. I want to use this opportunity to reassure Nigerians that Super Eagles will qualify for both the AFCON 2019 and World Cup in Russia,” observed the NFF chief.
Pinnick hinted that the Federal Government has released funds and all other logistic support to the senior national team to motivate the players and coaches to excel.
He promised that Eagles would make amend in subsequent matches to be played in the AFCON 2019 and World Cup 2018 qualifiers.
The NFF boss asked Nigerians not to get discouraged yet because of the first defeat suffered by Eagles under Gernot Rohr’s watch.
“Eagles are capable of going to South Africa to get victory against Bafana Bafana. Just yesterday, South Africa lost to a second string Zambian team. That is African football for you. I have my confidence in Eagles to do Nigeria proud.”
The NFF president expressed his happiness that peace has finally returned to the players union.
“I am truly happy at this development. I am one person who believes in players’ unity. Nothing good comes under atmosphere of chaos. In this digital world there is so much to gain when ex-internationals come together as one united body,” he noted.
While recalling his efforts to bring the factions in the players’ union to a round-table, Pinnick said: “It hurts me when ex players call me for rents, medical bills and sundry matters. These are former footballers who should be enjoying their retirements because they have laboured for the country and selves in the past but because they are not united and speak with one voice, they find themselves in such situations of lacks. Ex players are brands that ought to enjoy their retirements.”
President of NANPF, Dahiru Sadi, who was represented at the occasion by Vice President of the body, Larry Kubeinje, said that he will continue to run an allinclusive administration and urged all those who are still aggrieved to come over and join the union as it’s time for peace in Nigerian football.
“We have a new body and we must thank the NFF President and all those who helped to reunite us not to relent because we have to go ahead and move in one spirit. We are talking of insurance for former and present players and general welfare for all of us,” Sadi declared.
Secretary General of NANPF, Austin Popo, was also very active at the occasion and talked of uniting all the faction for the good of football in the country. Segun Oguns former Super Eagles goalkeeper was the MC at the event.
President General of Nigerian Football Supporters Club, Dr Rafiu Ladipo and some of his members added spice to the ceremony with their melodious tunes Nigerians have become familiar with.
Some ex footballers at the event include; Friday Elahor, Clement Temile, Godwin Okpara, Edema Fuludu, Benjamin Fejokwu, Ifeanyi Udeze, Nicolas Ukadike, Monday Odiaka, Lawrence Orairo and several others too numerous to mention.