World Cup: Don’t toy with our emotions, Buhari tells Eagles
•We’ll bring the trophy home – Mikel
President Muhammad Buhari has told the Super Eagles that they are carrying the emotions and feelings of over 180 million Nigerians to the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
Buhari, who noted that nothing unites the country more than the game of football, said Nigerians would be happy to see the team play honourably and win the trophy.
President Buhari was speaking at the Council Chambers of the Aso Rock Presidential Villa in Abuja yesterday while receiving the team.
He charged the team to play fair and clean as well as demonstrate the spirit of gallantry Nigerians are known for.
“You’re going to represent us in Russia, you must bear in mind that you’re not just going for a tournament. With each game, you must remember that you’re carrying the passions, emotions and feelings of over 180 million people.
“Play fair and clean, but demonstrate the gallant spirit which Nigerians are known for.
Nothing unites Nigerians more than football and nothing will gladden the people of Nigeria than for you to acquit yourself honourably by winning in Russia,” he said.
According to him, since the Super Eagles are the youngest team in the tournament, it means they “are likely the most inexperienced team; a fact that will not be lost on your opponents. But it is also something that you can use to your advantage.”
The president assured the team of the full support and blessings of all Nigerians “who will look up to you for as long as the tournament last.”
He commended the Nigerian Football Federation for drawing up the right programme which, he noted, was helping to revamp the team “to the powerful force it is meant to be.”
Buhari added: “This is our time, we look up to you to make us proud. All Nigerians join me in saying to you, best of luck. Thank you and God be with you all.”
Sports Minister, Solomon Dalung, while presenting the players to Buhari for what he called fatherly blessings, said they were determined to make history and would go for the World Cup, conscious of the glorious outings of their predecessors, adding that the Super Eagles were once again drawn in a difficult group along their perennial opponents, Argentina, Croatia and Island.
“It is difficult, but by no means a mission impossible. The team and the technical crew are in high spirit and are highly motivated to soar above their opponents at the World Cup.
“You (Super Eagles carry with you the hopes of over 180 million Nigerians who want to see you equal, if not surpass our previous best outing at the tournament. However, this can only be possible if you put Nigeria first and seek collective glory and not individual glory at the tournament. That’s the secret of teamwork. If you adhere to this principle, the sky is your limit as well as we know that the sky is not only the play ground of eagles, but their natural area of dominance. I charge you to soar higher and do the nation proud,” Dalung said.
Super Eagles Captain Mikel assured Buhari that they would their best to win the trophy.
He affirmed the disclosure by the president of the Nigerian Football Federation, Amaju Pinnick, that for the first time, the team was not owed as the players and their coaches had been paid all their entitlements.
“This is the first time we’ll be going to a tournament like this without any issues on money, bonuses or anything like that. I think everything is sorted now for us and all we have to do is to go out there as players and make this country proud. And with your support as the father and leader of this country, we will go out there, give our best and come back with the trophy,” Mikel said. Obi give