Governor Wike tells NFF that fans will not accept failure from the Super Eagles come the World Cup

RIVERS State governor Nyesom Wike has told the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) that the country will not accept failure at the forthcoming World Cup this summer as the fans expect the team to advance to the knock-out stage of the tournament.

Nigeria has been drawn in Group D for the World Cup alongside Argentina, Croatia and Iceland and many football commentators see this as a unique opportunity for Nigeria to do well. Last November, the Eagles beat Argentina 4-2 in a friendly match and the victory increased expectations, with the fans even expecting the team to go beyond the second round and make the quarter finals for the first time.

Earlier today, the NFF president Amaju Pinnick paid a courtesy call on Governor Wike in Port Harcourt. During the visit, the governor advised the NFF leadership to intensify preparations for the World Cup as Nigerians will not accept failure at the Mundial, pointing out that exiting the World Cup at the group stage will be unacceptable to Nigerians.

Governor Wike said: “If you fail to advance beyond the group stage, don’t bother to return.  Find excuses to stay there in Russia as Nigerians expect the best from the Super Eagles and that is why the NFF must intensify preparations.

 “There must be disagreements but these disagreements should be platforms for development. Disagreements should not destroy the place but should make NFF stronger."

Also, the governor said that the state government is using football as a source of empowerment for the youths. He said football is a unifying factor in the country, as it douses tension whenever the nation is engaged in international sporting events.

Governor Wike commended the NFF for the notable improvements in the country’s league, charging it to develop football to the level where teams can win on the strength of their capacity. Mr Pinnick said that the NFF was in the state to thank Governor Wike for providing the foundation for the qualification of Super Eagles for the World Cup.

He said the journey to Russia 2018 started in Port Harcourt after the Super Eagles  defeated Swaziland. Mr Pinnick formally invited Governor Wike to be part of the country’s delegation to the World Cup, saying that the country will benefit from the sporting experience of the Rivers State governor.

Mr Pinnick added: "The governor created the right environment  that led to the qualification of Super Eagles for the World Cup.  This journey started here in Port Harcourt and today, Port Harcourt has become a destination of choice."