October 12, 2014 – President of Nigeria Football Federation, Mr. Amaju Pinnick has reflected on the Super Eagles’ unimpressive outing against the Falcons of Sudan in Khartoum on Saturday and called on Nigerians to be patient as the new NFF Executive Committee is determined to do things differently and ensure excellence for the Nigeria game, all-round.
Having never lost to Sudan in the past 47 years, the Eagles played poorly and lost 1-0 in a match they needed to win, thereby endangering qualification for the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations. It was also Sudan’s first goal in the qualifying race, having been humbled at home 3-0 by South Africa and piped 1-0 in Congo Brazzaville.
“We understand that Nigerians are furious over the fact that the Eagles are last in their pool and are in danger of not qualifying for the finals in Morocco. Everyone feels bad about this, including the members of NFF Executive Committee.
“I just want to call on Nigerians to have patience. This new board is determined to do things differently. We are passionate about the Nigeria game and what we want to achieve is build a sustainable football culture for our dear country. Our target is to ensure that Nigeria finishes in pole position at major football competitions in Africa and the world, and we believe this is achievable through hard work, diligence, strategic planning and the support of everyone.”
The NFF supremo agrees that there is no reason why a country of about 170 million cannot raise a quality squad of two dozen footballers who can dominate the continental, even global game, and make the nation proud at all times.
“It is embarrassing that as reigning champions, we are struggling in the qualifying series, with only one point out of a possible nine. It is an awful output.
“However, we want our people to be patient and not stampede the federation to take knee-jerk decisions that will backfire in the end. We are on top of the situation and will take decisions that are in the best interest of Nigeria football.”
