8th September, 2014
General Secretary of Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, Barrister Musa Amadu has expressed confidence in the Super Eagles to bounce back from Saturday’s defeat to Congo’s Red Devils and qualify for next year’s Africa Cup of Nations holding in Morocco.
Speaking at the NFF Secretariat in Abuja on Monday, Amadu called on Nigerian football fans to retain faith in the Eagles and continue to give them adequate support in the campaign.
“We understand that Nigerians are disappointed in the result of the match against the Red Devils of Congo. But there are five more matches in the qualifying series and we see Saturday’s loss as a wake–up call for the African champions.
“The boys have realized that they have to now double their effort to get to the finals in Morocco, and that is what they have promised for Wednesday’s match against South Africa in Cape Town,” Amadu stated.
The NFF General Secretary returned to office in deference to a FIFA letter last week, asking that he be allowed to do his work without hindrance.
In company with NFF’s Director of Competitions, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi and Director of Marketing, Mr. Adama Idris, Amadu took full control of the secretariat and charged members of staff to continue their work without any fear.
Saturday’s 2-3 loss to Congo was the Eagles’ first home defeat in 33 years, since bungling a 1982 FIFA World Cup qualifier 0-2 to Algeria’s Fennecs at the National Stadium, Lagos.
The Eagles’ delegation, led by NFF Director of Competitions, Dr. Emmanuel Ikpeme, arrived in Cape Town on Monday morning, after flying to Johannesburg from Lagos overnight on Sunday and connecting a two–hour flight to Cape Town from Johannesburg.
The reigning champions have other matches against Sudan (away and home) in October before traveling to Brazzaville and hosting South Africa in November.