President Goodluck Jonathan on Saturday congratulated the Super Eagles on their 2-0 victory over Ethiopia in Calabar, which earned Nigeria a slot at the 2014 World Cup finals in Brazil.
The president’s congratulatory message is conveyed via a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Dr Reuben Abati.
The statement said that Jonathan joined other Nigerians in applauding the Super Eagles’ determined performance against the Ethiopians.
It said that the president also commended the team’s performance in all the preceding qualifying matches.
It said that Jonathan also lauded the consistent commitment and dedication of the Super Eagles to building on their victory at the African Nations Cup by qualifying for the World Cup Finals and bringing further glory to their fatherland.
The statement said that the president urged the players and their handlers to rededicate themselves to excelling on the global stage, while reaching for greater heights at the World Cup Finals.
It said that Jonathan noted that with more hard work, dedication, resilience and further honing of their skills and tactics, the team could fulfill the nation’s dream of being the first African country to win the World Cup.
The statement said that the president assured the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the Super Eagles of the full support of the Federal Government and all Nigerians in their quest to win the World Cup in Brazil.
Also, Senate President David Mark on Saturday commended the Super Eagles for beating their Ethiopian counterparts and qualifying for the Brazil 2014 World Cup.
Mark praised the Stephen Keshi-led coaching crew and the players in a congratulatory message issued in Abuja by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Paul Mumeh.
He lauded the Super Eagles for sustaining their winning streak, which made them to qualify for the World Cup.
He noted that Nigeria was once again back to global limelight in international sporting events, saying that everything necessary should be done to enable the Super Eagles to make an appreciable impact in Brazil 2014.
“I am glad that we are back to the international reckoning in football. We must do all that is needed to sustain and improve on this high rating.
“Our Super Eagles have proven to be the authentic African champions,” Mark said.
He, however, advised the Aminu Maigari-led Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to leave nothing to chance in efforts to sustain the momentum.
Mark pledged that the National Assembly would improve budgetary allocation to the sports sector “because of its potential to improve the international image of Nigeria and being the needed elixir for our peace and unity as a people.
“Anything we can do to promote peace, unity and progress of Nigeria must not be compromised,’’ he added.
Also, the Deputy Senate President, Sen. Ike Ekweremadu, in a congratulatory message, described the Super Eagles’ qualification as “a sign of resurgence and transformation of the nation’s soccer.
“This, coming on the heels of the Under-17 World Cup victory, is another breath of fresh air and bumper harvest for the nation’s football,’’ he added.
Ekeremadu urged the team to remain focused to make Nigeria proud at the World Cup finals in Brazil.