AFCON 2019 : FG charges Super Eagles to put the nation first

Francis Achi

As the Super Eagles intensifies their training sessions ahead of their opening game in AFCON 2019 in Alexandria, Egypt against Burundi, the Federal Government of Nigeria has charged the team to put the nation first and defend the colours of Nigeria gallantly.

This was disclosed to totorinews in Abuja by Mr. Olusade Adesola, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Youths and Sports. He informed that the greatest opportunity that Nigeria would offer her athletes is the platform to showcase their talents to the world and if they demonstrate patriotism, hardwork and dedication to the main objective of their mission, better opportunities beckon on them for their career to be taken to the next level of greatness and it is in this light, that he wants the Super Eagles to put the nation first in Egypt.

“The Federal government has provided the platforms for Nigeria youths in various endeavours, football inclusive. NFF has also put much efforts to ensure that these players participate in qualification matches , friendly matches, intensive training and as the saying goes – the ball is in their court.” Adesola said.

“Having trained them, supported them by playing friendly games, exposed them to situations that their contemporaries were also exposed, what becomes of them, is in their hands,” he added.

“I want to enjoin them to put the nation first and to make their career flourish because as i always told athletes – this is your career. Don’t look at what anybody has promised you, whether they give you or they don’t give you any. By the time they succeed at AFCON, their lot will never be the same.

“Look at Ahmed Musa as an example of what happened at the last World Cup in Russia. He did very well for Nigeria and he ended up signing a huge contract for his career. How did he get there? The platform that the country provided for the team. If he had messed up that opportunity, he would not have gotten it.

“So, i always tell Nigerian athletes that this is your country, your opportunity, work hard for it, whether you are have been given something or nothing, know that you have been given a platform, a trust has been given to you.

“This is their time. How they will use it and the outcome of the result depend on them. I charge them to put their best , to know that while working for the nation, they are also working for themselves,” he concluded.