Chief of Army staff, Lieutenant-General Azubuike Ihejirika has urged the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) and the Super Eagles to ensure successful defence of the African Cup of Nation (AFCON) title at future editions of the tournament.
Speaking on Thursday during a courtesy call by President of NFF, Alhaji Aminu Maigari and other executive members of the federation at the Nigerian Army Headquarters, Ihejirika implored them to increase their efforts to match the aspiration of all Nigerians, as the victory has opened a vista of successes that must be sustained.
He expressed the happiness of the Nigerian Army with the victory, especially as the team was not given any chance of reaching the quarter final, saying the playing team, coaching crew and administrative officials who worked tirelessly behind the scene all deserved praise.
Noting that victories even in the Military are as a result of team work, he enjoined them to sustain the high level of commitment in future engagements and pledged his relentless support to the team.
Earlier, while expressing his courtesy, Alhaji Maigari thanked General ihejirika for the tremendous support of the Nigerian Army to the team during the tournament.
He said that two national teams, the Under-17 and the Under-20 teams, are also engaged in international football competition in their categories, and pleaded for the same kind of support to be extended to them.
Also yesterday, President of the Nigerian Olympic Committee, Engr. Sani Mohammed Ndanusa and members of his executive committee paid the Ihejirika a similar courtesy visit.
Ndanusa disclosed that the NOC wanted to partner the Army, whose personnel in the past have won glory for the country in international tournaments.
He said the NOC is prepared to enter alliances with the Military and Para-Military in its preparation for the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, and the Commonwealth Games in 2014, because the company has inadequate manpower and resources to guarantee a technical road map for the success of the country at the tournaments.
