The Federal Government has called on football loving Nigerians not to relent in their support for the Super Eagles at the ongoing FIFA World Cup in Russia.
Minister of Youth and Sports Barrister Solomon Dalung made the appeal yesterday after Nigeria lost their opening Group D match against Croatia.
He regretted the loss but assured that all hope was not lost yet.
“It is unfortunate that we did not win the opening match against Croatia which would have served as a morale booster at the group stage but we will not lose hope.
“The Federal government is doing its best to ensure that the Super Eagles excel in Russia. Even the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria President Muhammadu Buhari took time out to motivate the players yesterday and to assure them of his unflinching support for the team.
“I personally added $5,000 to their winning bonus to motivate the team but we must still keep our hopes alive because this is just the beginning.
“I urge the players to remain focused while the technical department will have to put heads together with the coach to salvage our next two matches against Iceland and Argentina. If we win our next matches against Iceland and Argentina, then we can qualify from the group.”
Barrister Dalung, however, urged Nigerians to continue rooting for the team.
“The Super Eagles are a work in progress. It’s a very young team and we are nurturing them for greater exploits not only for now but for the future. We are not giving any excuses but we must continue to rally round our team irrespective of the result recorded on Saturday.
“I appeal to football loving Nigerians, supporters and well-wishers to rally behind the Super Eagles and pray for them ahead of their next game against Iceland. I strongly believe that despite the disappointing start, the Super Eagles will come out strong from the group”.
