The president of Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Melvin Amaju Pinnick has sent out a lenthy thank you message to everyone that made the Super Eagles’ qualification for next year’s Africa Cup of Nations possible, megasportsarena.com reports.
In the wake of the Eagles’ back-to-back victories across three days – 1-0 away to Benin Republic on Saturday and 3-0 at home with Lesotho on Tuesday – Pinnick acknowledged that it is quite expedient to thank all governments, agencies, companies and individuals that made the ticket to Cameroon 2022 possible.
He went on to express appreciation to the Federal Government, the governments of Akwa Ibom, Edo and Lagos States for willingly agreeing to host some of the Eagles’ qualification matches as well as corporate bodies for various endorsements, which he noted coagulated in ensuring that the three-time African champions make a 19th appearance at the continental showpiece.
The NFF supremo added that he was delighted seeing the Eagles qualify ahead of the final day of qualifiers for the third consecutive major tournament, this time with two matches to spare, which he said was better than their previous accomplishments for the 2018 World Cup and 2019 Africa Cup of Nations.
Much to Pinnicks’ delight, the Eagles also dropped only four points from a possible 18 and never looked in danger of failing to reach AFCON 2022, but the FIFA Council member admitted it would not have been possible without the soccer governing body’s partners and sponsors, which was complemented with corporate support they got for a boat ride to Porto Novo for Saturday’s tie.
Pinnick expatiated: “Our heartfelt appreciation goes to the Federal Government, right from His Excellency President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR. Without the total support and encouragement of the Government, it would not have been possible.
“Our appreciation also goes to all agencies of government who have been of help along the way. We are also very appreciative of the Chief of Staff to His Excellency Mr President. He has continued to be a pillar of support. The Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 and the Nigeria Council for Disease Control provided huge assistance and guidance in a difficult period for the whole world.
“Certainly, things would have been impossible without their understanding and co-operation. The Governments of Akwa Ibom, Delta, Edo and Lagos States played the role of good hosts to the Super Eagles before and during the campaign and were very magnanimous to the players and officials.
“The NFF is very, very grateful to them because without them, the task would have been close to insurmountable. We commend the efforts of all Football Stakeholders and members of the Supporters Clubs.”
