Saraki hands $50,000 cash gift to Super Eagles ahead of tomorrow's game against England

SENATE president Senator Bukola Saraki has presented the Super Eagles with a cash gift of $50,000 ahead of tomorrow game against England at Wembley Stadium as part of the ongoing drive to motive the players.

Yesterday, the Eagles held their first training session in London having flown in from Abuja where the team met President Muhammadu Buhari and later with Senator Saraki. At a brief but glamorous event inside the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja, Senator Saraki described the Eagles as compelling role models, doing their jobs quietly on the pitch and accepting the rewards as and when such come without holding the nation to ransom.

Senator Saraki said: “I have been following the performances and general behaviour of this squad. I must confess that I am very impressed as we no longer have schisms and different camps in the same camp.

"You sacrifice a lot for the country without demanding so much before you go to battle. From the captain, Mikel Obi to the newest member of the squad, I assure you of the love of the entire country and the well wishes of every Nigerian as you go to the Fifa World Cup and in fact, in all your endeavours.”

He also praised technical adviser Gernot Rohr for the way he has adroitly managed the team and instilled discipline and sense of dedication. Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) president Amaju Pinnick lauded Senator Saraki for his proven love for and support and encouragement of the team during the World Cup qualifiers.

Mr Pinnick added: “The Nigeria Football Federation and this team are indebted to you for your huge support all the time. Your love and keen interest has contributed much to keep this team going and reaching for higher heights.

“I must note that we are lucky to have a manager like Rohr who himself is calm, focused and very dedicated to his job, as well as a captain like Mikel who is very humble and God-fearing. The sky will be the limit for this team.”

Mikel Obi responded on behalf of the team, thanking the senate president and pledging that the Eagles are going to the World Cup in Russia to do Nigeria proud. Tomorrow evening, the team lock horns with England before flying to Austria to face the Czech Republic en-route to Russia.