Sports minister, Sunday Akinlabi Dare has charged the Super Eagles to ensure they put up an excellent performance in next Sunday’s international friendly against Brazil, as he reckons that avoiding defeat against the Samba Boys will add to Nigeria’s pedigree in international football, megasportsarena.com reports.
Making his thoughts known in the build-up to the potentially explosive encounter at Singapore National Stadium, Dare added that it is a high-profile game in which lots of ego will be at stake.
With that in mind, Dare stressed that the Eagles should ensure they prepare well for the game, avoid any distractions during their camping ahead of the match and then enter the pitch with an extra zeal to get something big that will boost their individual careers and Nigeria’s image.
He posited that the October 15 match will bring together two strong football playing nations, considering Brazil’s status as five-time World Cup champions and Nigeria’s growing impact in Africa and the global level, such that both sides will aim to make a bold impression on the night.
Dare added: “It’s going to be a very interesting friendly match. Indeed, it’s more than just a mere friendly, because a lot of ego will be at stake. Brazil is a strong team in world football, Nigeria is also a big footballing nation, which means it is a clash between two strong teams.
“That’s why our players must not take this game lightly. It’s a match that can help them boost their careers and improve the country’s image as well. They should just go there and put in all their effort in order to get an excellent performance and a good result.”
