FG will support Eagles achieve World Cup semi-final target -Danagogo

Sports Minister, Dr. Tammy Danagogo has assured that the Federal Government under the leadership of President Goodluck Jonathan will continue to support the Super Eagles to reach the semi-final of the Brazil 2014 World Cup.

Giving the assurance when he received a delegation of the Nigeria Football Supporters Club led by its President General Worldwide Dr. Rafiu Oladipo in his office, Danagogo said that Nigeria was blessed at this time to have a President who is truly interested in sports development.

He described sports as a veritable tool for rebranding Nigeria’s image, boost national unity, serve as a bridge builder as well as foster peaceful co-existence in the country.

“Whenever there is a national or international sporting event, Nigerians forget their religious, ethnicity, gender, age, cultural divide and unite as one to support a common goal because sports redefines what we really are or stand for; a peace loving nation”.

The Minister noted that “without the presence of the indefatigable supporters club to spur and motivate the players to victory, the players would be like orphans without a virile base or support.

Earlier, the President Worldwide of the Nigeria Football Supporters Club, Dr. Rafiu Oladipo said the club was at the NSC to congratulate the Minister on his appointment as well as to formally welcome him to “the seat that houses the cradle of unity in Nigeria” saying that “it is only when the National Sports Commission takes to the field that Nigerians come together in unity irrespective of tribe and tongue”.

He stated that the NSC is the only government institution or establishment that inspires other countries of the world to think positively of the nation’s image.

Dr. Oladipo said that “the supporters club will not relent in its efforts to continue to motivate our players and to this end he revealed that sometimes members even have to fast and pray for days for the success of our national teams”.