President Goodluck Jonathan has congratulated the Super Eagles of Nigeria on their 2-0 victory over Ethiopia on Saturday in Calabar, which booked the country’s qualification at the Brazil 2014 World Cup finals.
A first half goal off a coolly converted penalty by Liverpool forward Victor Moses and a fiercely driven free kick in the second half by substitute Obinna Nsofor with his first touch of the game were all the Eagles needed to secure their tickets to Brazil, notwithstanding that their overall performance on the day was generally lacklustre.
“President Jonathan joins other proud and happy Nigerians in applauding the Super Eagles’ dogged and determined performance against the Ethiopians over the two legs of the final qualifying round, which ensured away and home victories, and also ensured that Nigeria will be at the World Cup Finals for the fifth time”, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati wrote in a statement.
“The president also commends the team’s performance in all the preceding qualifying matches and the consistent commitment and dedication of the players to building on their victory at this year’s African Nations Cup by qualifying for the World Cup Finals and bringing further glory to their fatherland”.
He added that as the team and its handlers bask in the glory of being the first African country to qualify for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, they should rededicate themselves to excelling on the global stage and reaching for heights never previously attained by the country at the World Cup finals.
“The president believes that with the enormous pool of footballing talent available to the country, the Super Eagles can, with more hard work, dedication, resilience and further honing of their skills and tactics, fulfil the national dream of being the first African Nation to win the world cup”, Abati’s statement went on.
“He assures the NFF and the team, of the fullest possible support of the Federal Government and all Nigerians in their quest to win even greater glory for Nigeria at the world cup finals in Brazil”.
