Speaking during a visit to the NFF Secretariat in Abuja, the officials led by Deputy Commissioner, Bukar Bello said they foresee the African champions coming good at the biggest showpiece in football and stunning the world, in the same way the U-23 National Team shocked the world by winning the Olympic gold at the Centennial Games in Atlanta in 1996.
“When our U-23 boys left these shores for the 1996 Olympic Games in USA, no one gave them a chance. All the bookmakers noted some other teams as favourites but Nigeria was not among. In the end, the Dream Team stunned the world by winning the gold medal.
“We see the same thing happening in Brazil. The so-called experts are tipping the famous names, such as Brazil, Germany, Italy and Argentina to win. But we believe the Super Eagles have the character to go there and make the country and the continent proud,” Bello said.
The officials were on a routine visit to the NFF, and commended the Nigeria Football Federation for its thoroughness and deliberate efforts made to ensure that federal character is reflected in the composition of the Executive Committee, Management and Staff of the football-governing authority in the land.
“Apart from the great efforts you are making to keep Nigerians happy and united, as football is the one factor that ensures these, you have also made conscious efforts to reflect federal character in your roll and that is commendable,” Bello added.
NFF General Secretary, Barrister Musa Amadu thanked the FCC top shots for their confidence in the Super Eagles and assured them that the Federation is making all arrangements to ensure the team is adequately prepared to do the nation and the continent proud in Brazil.
He stated that the NFF is mindful of the importance of reflecting federal character in its composition. “Ensuring that every area is well represented does not mean pushing merit to the back-burner. It is only on the field of play that we don’t insist on federal character. If the best eleven players come from one local government, so be it.”
The FCC team, which also included Barritser Harry Ezoke and Dr. Iboko Imo Iboko, used the opportunity to invite the NFF to participate in a forthcoming workshop for ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs).
