NIGERIA-ETHIOPIA FOOTBALL FACE-OFF: Jonathan Pays Super Eagles Surprise Visit
Saturday, October 12, 2013 -- Nigeria's President Goodluck Jonathan has paid a surprise visit to the Super Eagles' training session at the National Stadium in Addis Ababa on the eve of Sunday's World Cup qualifier with Ethiopia.
Jonathan, who was on his way from the Extraordinary Summit of the Heads of Government of the African Union, shook hands with the players and had a talk with the team management, including assistant coach.
He assured he will always be an avid supporter of the team.
"Surely you will make it, the spirit is there," the President said. "I wish you success. It is a determining match. Definitely we have been going to the World cup, but this year, we are not just going to the world cup, we will
make an impact. The world will begin to know that we have arrived as a nation.
"We give you all the encouragement required. Thank you for what you are doing for us," Jonathan added.
Aminu Maigari, President of the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF), thanked the President for encouraging the players two times in a row.
"I assure you, we will be able to deliver and we will deliver. We will do our best. We have a good team," Maigari said, adding, "Goodluck Jonathan is the only President who has created time amidst his tight schedule to be with the super eagles twice. This is the biggest motivation and we will make you proud. We will be in Brazil."
Maigari also called on the government to continue its support for the Footballing Federation.
Team captain Vincent Enyeama said the visit of Jonathan could not have come at a better time. He pledged the players will show that they appreciate his concern for the welfare of the team with a good display on Sunday.
The winner of the two-legged encounter, second leg to be played in Nigeria, will join four other African countries to represent Africa at next year's World Cup in Brazil.
Jonathan was accompanied by aides, including presidential spokesman Reuben Abati. NFF officials Chris Green, Musa Amada, Emmanuel Ikpeme and Shehu Adamu were also in attendance.
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