Minister
of Youth and Sports, Solomon Dalung, has applauded the Super Eagles for their
massive 4-0 triumph over visiting Indomitable Lions of Cameroon in a 2018 FIFA
World Cup qualifying match played at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo
yesterday September 1st.
A statement released from his office, says the Senior men's
national team will receive N20million for the 4 goals scored, after the
federal government promised to reward every strike with N5million during a pep
talk before the game.
Dalung thanked the Nigeria Football Federation and the team for
not letting Nigerians down knowing the importance of qualifying for the World
Cup in Russia next year.
"The Nigeria Football Federation has been on its toes to
ensure that he Super Eagles qualify for the next World Cup. You worked
very hard for this victory and Nigerians are proud of you for always raising
the flag when it matters most. We know the consequences of not being at
the World Cup in Russia in 2018.
We determine the pulse of African sports and
set the tune and agenda for Africa in global sports so it is very key and
critical to us. Moreover, the absence of Nigeria at any international
competition always denies the world of the pattern, style and tradition of the
Nigerian variety of football so we will be going to Russia with another
different pattern and style of football."
The Minister called on football stakeholders and Nigerians to
continue to support the players with their prayers and objective criticisms.
"The federal government will continue to support our players
because they have been making so many sacrifices for the country. There is
nothing we can do to compensate them for what they have done except to continue
to appreciate and celebrate them in this critical journey to Russia.
Nigeria now top Group B with 9Pts and will face Cameroon again on
Monday at the Stade Omnispirts Ahmadu Ahidjo in Yaoundé at 6pm.
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