8th February, 2013
Nigeria’s President Goodluck Jonathan has sent a high powered delegation of ministers and state governors, led by Senate President David Mark, to South Africa to boost the morale and spirits of the Super Eagles at the AFCON 2013 finals.
Nigeria’s Eagles are billed to meet the Stallions of Burkina-Faso in the finals of the tournament in Johannesburg on Sunday.
President Jonathan is at present in London on an official visit. He is also scheduled today to launch the Olusegun Obasanjo Foundation. From London, Jonathan is expected to visit Paris, where he will hold talks with President Francois Hollande.
An official statement by Dr. Reuben Abati, the president’s special adviser on media and publicity today quoted Jonathan as charging his delegation to ensure that the Super Eagles are properly motivated and in the best possible spirits to win a resounding victory for the nation on Sunday.
The President asked the delegation which include Governor Peter Obi of Anambra State, Governor Isa Yuguda of Bauchi State and the Minister of State (Foreign Affairs) Prof. Viola Onwuliri, the Minister of Police Affairs, Navy Capt. Caleb Olubolade and the Minister of State (Works), Ambassador Bashir Yuguda to reassure the team of his full support and best wishes for victory.
“They are to also inform the team that President Jonathan will host a dinner reception for them at the State House Banquet Hall at 7pm on Tuesday, February 12, 2013 to personally thank and honour them for their positively transformed performance in South Africa which has undoubtedly re-established Nigeria as a major power in international soccer.”
“The President charged the team to go out against Burkina Faso on Sunday with the greatest determination to win a final victory that will bring immense joy and happiness to the millions of Nigerians at home and abroad who have had their pride restored by the triumphs against Ethiopia, Cote D’Ivoire and Mali, and are praying for ultimate success at South Africa’s National Stadium.”