Emex Henshaw
The Honorable Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh, convened a meeting with underfire Super Eagles Coach Jose Peseiro and The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) leadership, led by Ibrahim Gusau, on Wednesday in Abuja.
The meeting, a deliberate move by the Honorable Minister, aimed to foster synergy and solidify a comprehensive roadmap for the African Cup Of Nations (AFCON) in Cote d’Ivoire next January. Senator John Owan Enoh expressed the unequivocal support of the Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration for the growth of sports, emphasizing the role of meticulous planning, teamwork, and efficient strategic goals in leading the country to its Fourth AFCON title, having won the last ten years ago in South Africa.
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The Minister stated, “Our country is so passionate about football, such that amidst all other sports, football is about the only sport that has an entry in the nation’s national budget,” emphasizing the importance of football to the nation.
“After ten years, the country is thirsty to win the AFCON. It will matter greatly to the Nigerian people and the Government of President Asiwaju Bola Tinubu. It is important not just to leave the task to the NFF alone. Still, the Government is also interested in being able to tell the Nigerian people what is being done in that regard,” Senator Enoh added.
The meeting, held at the office of the Honorable Minister in Abuja, underscores the Minister’s and the ministry’s readiness to provide all necessary resources and support to ensure the Super Eagles show the strength and resilience associated with the national team at the continental level.
The NFF delegation at the meeting, led by President Ibrahim Gusau, included 1st Vice President Felix Anyansi-Agwu, General Secretary Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, Technical Director Augustine Eguaveon, Chairman Technical Committee Sharif Inuwa, and Director of International Competitions Dayo Enebi.
The President of The NFF assured Nigerians of the readiness of the Super Eagles and, despite shaky results, urged football enthusiasts not to panic. He emphasized that everyone is on board and working tirelessly to ensure the Eagles soar highly at AFCON in Cote d’Ivoire, expressing the Football Federation’s commitment to the team’s success.
Super Eagles Coach Jose Peseiro appreciated the collaborative efforts and restated his commitment to leading the national team to success. He stressed the importance of adequate preparation and assured that the technical crew would work diligently with the players to rectify the team’s grey areas before the tournament’s commencement, bringing joy and excitement to Nigerians.
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The Minister commended the dedication and professionalism exhibited by Coach Peseiro and the NFF, stating that necessary efforts are ongoing to settle outstanding issues with the coach. He assured him of an enabling environment to help the team thrive.
The Super Eagles have been placed in Group A alongside hosts Cote d’Ivoire, Equatorial Guinea, and Guinea-Bissau in the competition’s group stages. The match is scheduled for between January 13 and February 11, 2024. As the tournament approaches, the Minister urged Nigerians to continue supporting the Eagles and assured football enthusiasts that the ministry would always support the team.
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