9th October, 2014
As the Super Eagles fly out of the country on Thursday night for the first of two quick –fire sessions against Sudan in the on –going 2015 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying series, President of Nigeria Football Federation, Mr. Amaju Melvin Pinnick has charged the players to remember the heroics of their predecessors and imbibe the spirit with which the Class of 2001 demolished the Falcons of Jediane 3-0 at home and 4-0 away in Korea/Japan 2002 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
On January 27, 2001, the Eagles lashed the Falcons 3-0 in Port Harcourt, and then secured a vital 4-0 win in Omdurman on July 1 of the same year to virtually seal the ticket to the Far East.
“I am of the firm belief that you are capable of re-enacting those wonderful memories of fabulous wins over Sudan home and away, and the NFF is fully behind you to go to Khartoum and conquer. Then, we will prepare to complete the job here in Abuja before we plan for the two remaining games in November,” Amaju said in Abuja on Thursday.
He added: “As true warriors and champions of Africa that you are, Nigerians have no doubt about what you are capable of doing in Khartoum. This is the first competitive match under this new administration and we are giving you every motivation to achieve victory.”
In 13 contests at senior level since November 1963, Sudan has only beaten Nigeria on two occasions. The more experienced Falcons battered the Red Devils 4-0 in Nigeria’s first appearance at the Africa Cup of Nations in 1963, in Kumasi (Ghana), and then narrowly edged a 1968 Olympic Games qualifier 2-1 in Khartoum, though Nigeria qualified after winning the home leg 1-0.
The most famous two-leg showdown between both countries came in 1969, when both teams tied 2-2 in Ibadan and 3-3 in Khartoum in a 1970 FIFA World Cup qualifying series.
Nigeria narrowly eliminated Sudan from the 1974 Africa Cup of Nations race, though failed to reach the finals in Egypt. On the way to winning bronze at the 1976 finals in Ethiopia, the Eagles defeated the Falcons 1-0 in Dire Dawa, and a 0-0 draw in Khartoum in a 1994 Cup of Nations qualifier preceded a 4-0 thumping by the Eagles in Lagos.
NFF’s 1st Vice President, Barrister Seyi Akinwunmi will lead the Super Eagles’delegation to Khartoum for Saturday’s showdown. There will also a member of the Executive Committee, Chief Felix Anyansi-Agwu, Director of Technical, Dr. Emmanuel Ikpeme and a couple of secretariat staff.
The aircraft chartered by the Nigeria Football Federation for the round trip will depart the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja at 11pm on Thursday, to arrive in Khartoum by 6am Sudan time. The Nigeria delegation will stay at the Grand Holiday Villa Hotel, with the players scheduled to train at the Khartoum Stadium by 8pm Friday. Saturday’s match will start at 8pm Sudan time, and the delegation will return to Nigeria immediately after the game.
Meanwhile, President of Confederation of African Football, Alhaji (Dr.) IssaHayatou has extended warm congratulations to the President of NFF, Pinnick on his election as Nigeria’s football supremo.
In a letter he personally signed, Alhaji (Dr.) Hayatou stated: “It is with great excitement that I learned about your election as President of the Nigeria Football Federation following elections held on September 30, 2014.
“On behalf of the CAF Executive Committee and the entire African football family, I would like to offer you my warmest congratulations for your election as President of NFF, providing the perfect avenue to steer national football to new heights.
“CAF is indeed confident that your experience will benefit not only Nigeria football but also African football as a whole. We look forward to cement our partnership and exchanges in order to benefit the youth of our beloved continent.
“Moreover, in line with the various exchanges with NFF and FIFA, we do hope now that your leadership will not be questioned in the soon future as to ensure that Nigerian football functions properly and that no interference is noticed to avoid any harmful suspension from FIFA.”
Hayatou also assured Pinnick and his new executive committee to count on the support of CAF to achieve a successful tenure.
Also, President General of Nigeria Football Supporters Club, Dr. Rafiu Oladipo has congratulated the new NFF boss, noting that the election brings to end “the lingering and incessant leadership crises that has driven our football development almost to a halt.
“We believe you and your new board will do everything possible to bring back the good old days when our football was one of the best ten (10) in the world. It is therefore imperative that you come up with genuine and meaningful reconciliation of all stakeholders.
“On our part, as members of the Supporters Club, we pledge our unalloyed and unflinching support for the Super Eagles and Nigeria football generally. We congratulate you and members of your executive, while wishing you a successful tenure,” Ladipo said.