Goodluck: Bring the World Cup home

  1. Posted on Monday 24 May 2010 - 08:43
    Walter
    Image of Walter
    Walter Wilson Nana, AfricaNews reporter in Buea, Cameroon
    The President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Goodluck Jonathan has challenged the Super Eagles of Nigeria to come back home on July 11 with the coveted FIFA World Cup trophy for 2010. He said it would be a birthday gift to the nation as they prepare for their 50th anniversary.
    NIGERIA-National team names 30-man squad for WC
    Speaking at a special dinner to send the Super Eagles off to the World Cup over the weekend, Jonathan referenced Nigeria's independence, which will be celebrated on 1 October after 50 years.

    "This is a call to national duty and I expect the Eagles to prepare well and win this trophy. That will be a birthday gift for our country and set the stage for a golden jubilee celebration of our independence as a nation," added Jonathan, who shook hands with the entire Nigeria squad led by the Swedish-born coach Lars Lagerback.

    "Play, win and we will make you smile," the President promised.

    According to FIFA.com, Jonathan, will attend the opening ceremony on 11 June when South Africa face Mexico, as well as watch Nigeria's tournament opener against Argentina on 12 June at Ellis Park Stadium in Johannesburg.

    Nigeria are drawn in Group B along with Argentina, Korea Republic and Greece and the country's president expects the Super Eagles to soar into the next round and on to the Final.

    The Super Eagles jetted off from Nigeria last Saturday via the Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport, Abuja for London, where they will continue their preparation for the World Cup. On Tuesday, May 25, they tackle Saudi Arabia in a warm-up game in Austria.

    Nigeria's biggest achievement at the World Cup so far was reaching the second round in both 1994 and 1998.

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