By George Aluo
President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Mr. Amaju Melvin Pinnick, who is also 1st Vice President of CAF and President of AFCON, has challenged the Super Eagles to stay focused on winning the top prize at Africa’s flagship tournament, which kicks off Friday in Egypt.
Amaju spoke when he visited the team on Tuesday at their Helnan Palestine Hotel base in Alexandria. The Eagles has since settled down in the Port City of Alexandria after the friendly against Senegal on Sunday in Ismailia.
“Do not take any team for granted. Easy groups exist only on paper; things are different on the pitch. The NFF will ensure you get all that is due to you. This is a very important tournament and Nigerians are fully behind you. You should do your very best not to disappoint them.
“The NFF is happy about the situation in camp; the commitment, discipline and dedication of each and everyone of you. You have all the quality of a champion team and everything about you is positive.”
Responding, Captain Mikel John Obi promised that the three –time African champions will be very professional on and off the pitch and do all they can to make the country proud.
“Mr. President, we thank you for all that you have done for this team over the years, as the head of Nigerian Football. We appreciate your honest approach to all issues that concern our welfare.
“We all are aware of what is at stake. This tournament will not be child’s play or a stroll in the park, but we are ready. It will be tough but when it gets tough, we will get tougher.”
