President Muhammadu Buhari has congratulated the Super Eagles on their victory over the Chipolopolo of Zambia and booking their 6th World Cup appearance.
The Eagles achieved the feat at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, by beating the visitors 1-0 via a goal scored by Alex Iwobi.
The President, who described the victory as “very sweet, soothing and a 57th Independence Anniversary gift to the nation,” applauded the senior men’s football team for making Nigeria the first African country to qualify for Russia 2018 FIFA World Cup tournament, with a match left to play.
President Buhari called on all Nigerians to apply the values of perseverance, resilience, discipline, hard work and team-spirit which propelled the footballers to excel since the beginning of the qualifying matches, to all sectors of their national life.
Buhari pledged the Federal government’s commitment to continue to support the team within available resources so that the nation will maximise the unifying potentials of sports in general and football in particular.
He enjoined the entire team and the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) officials to remain steadfast and focused when they begin preparations for the global football fiesta.
President Buhari urged public, private organisations and other Nigerians to continue to assist the Super Eagles as the team heads for a sixth appearance at the summit of football competition.
He also appreciated the government of Akwa Ibom State for the support it had given to the football team, describing it as worthy of emulation.
On his part, Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, congratulated the Super Eagles and all Nigerians on the nation’s qualification for the FIFA World Cup, scheduled to hold in Russia next year.
Saraki, in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media & Publicity, Yusuph Olaniyonu, said that he was in Uyo and witnessed firsthand the dedication, poise and consistency of our players, adding that these attributes of the team have given hope to all Nigerians that our team will represent Africa well at the next World Cup.
Also, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Yakubu Dogara, congratulated the Super Eagles on their victory over Zambia which qualifies them to the 2018 World Cup finals in Russia.
In a statement by Turaki Hassan, his Special Adviser on Media and Public Affairs, Dogara hailed members of the national team for their dedication and patriotism, and commitment to doing Nigeria proud.
In his own reaction, Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, congratulated the Super Eagles for their qualification for the 2018 Russia World Cup.
Ekweremadu hailed the Nigerian team in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media, Mr. Uche Anichukwu.
He said: “The Eagles were super in every sense of the word in the race to Russia. They lived the Nigerian spirit. They demonstrated that united we can scale over every mountain. They made us proud.”