The Super Eagles have been showered with praise by former President Goodluck Jonathan and governors for qualifying for the Russia 2018 World Cup.
Alex Iwobi’s 73th strike helped the Eagles down Zambia 1-0 in their Group B Russia 2018 qualifier at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on Saturday to reach the World Cup for the sixth time.
Jonathan, governors Aminu Tambuwal (Sokoto), Willie Obiano (Anambra), Rotimi Akeredolu (Ondo), Abdulfatah Ahmed (Kwara), Ibikunle Amosun (Ogun) and David Umahi (Ebonyi) hailed the Eagles for the showing that earned them a hard-fought victory over Chipolopolo.
Jonathan praised the fighting spirit of the Eagles, saying the three-time African champions deserved plaudits for their achievement.
“I am not surprised that you have qualified. Thank you @NGSuperEagles. You exemplify the can-do Nigerian spirit,” he tweeted.
The governors said the team deserved to play in Russia because they had shown the stuff of champions since the World Cup qualifiers began last year.
Tambuwal, in a statement by his spokesman Imam Imam, called for the Nigeria Football Federation to work towards making the team stronger ahead of the World Cup.
“This feat is not a fluke. The Eagles have in the past set a standard which today’s generation of players are striving to surpass,” he said.
Obiano said in a statement by his aide James Eze, “This team has proved its worth. By achieving the status of the first African team to qualify for the World Cup, the players have shown that they are ready to bring honour to Nigeria.”
Akeredolu, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary Segun Ajiboye on Sunday, asked Nigerians to continue to support and pray for the team.
Umahi, who described the team’s victory “as sensational”, called for good preparations for the World Cup.
He said, “The players demonstrated the undying-spirit of unity to beat Zambia and all their group opponents to qualify for the World Cup.”
On his part, Ahmed urged the Federal Government to monitor the team’s preparations for the World Cup “because of the unity sports generally bring to Nigerians”.
Amosun, in a statement by his Commissioner for Information and Strategy Adedayo Adeneye, described the Eagles’ World Cup qualification as “a good omen for Nigeria”.
“The victory is a good omen for Nigeria, which is seeking to attain victory over all its challenges,” the governor said.
- Story by: Festus Abu, Samuel Awoyinfa, Peter Dada, Tony Okafor and Adeniyi Olugbemi